Cattleya Empress of Mercury

Blooming Size Plant: Yes  *Blooming size plants- This does not mean you will receive a plant in bud or bloom.

Remember if you buy bare root: you need to trim away dead roots, do not over water when you first plant, make sure the orchid does NOT move in the pot at all so they get established.  Plants may have leaf bruises or blemishes. This is part of buying a plant at this stage when it is so inexpensive. 

Caring for Cattleya Empress of Mercury

Light reigns supreme in the cultivation and blooming of cattleyas, whether they're housed in a greenhouse or nurtured indoors. These plants thrive under bright light conditions, but direct sunlight during midday should be avoided. Optimal light sources include east-facing windows or shaded south or west-facing windows indoors. In a greenhouse setting, providing 50 to 70 percent full sun (equivalent to 3,000 to 5,000 foot-candles) is ideal. Healthy Cattleya Empress of Mercury boast medium green leaves and erect pseudobulbs, often requiring no additional support.

Temperature control is crucial, with nighttime temperatures ranging from 55 to 60°F and daytime temperatures between 70 and 85°F. Seedlings may require slightly higher nighttime temperatures, typically five to 10 degrees above the standard range. Maintaining a 15- to 20-degree temperature differential between day and night, particularly for mature plants, is recommended. While cattleyas can tolerate higher daytime temperatures up to 95°F, increased humidity, adequate air circulation, and shading become essential under such conditions.

Watering should be approached in two ways: through direct pot watering and atmospheric humidity. Various factors, including pot size, temperature, and light exposure, influence watering frequency. Mature Cattleya Empress of Mercury benefit from drying out completely between watering sessions, whereas seedlings necessitate more consistent moisture levels. Assessing the pot's weight can indicate watering needs, with a lighter pot signaling dryness and a heavier one indicating saturation. When in doubt, it's advisable to wait before watering again. Cold water below 50°F can harm plants, as can water softened by salt additives.

Maintaining humidity levels between 50 and 80 percent is vital for cattleyas. Indoors, this can be achieved by placing plants on trays filled with gravel and partially submerged in water to prevent direct contact. Adequate air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal or bacterial diseases, particularly in high-humidity or cooler environments. 

Fertilization should occur on a regular basis, employing a high-nitrogen formulation (such as 30-10-10) in fir bark or a balanced fertilizer. During active growth periods, fertilize Cattleya Empress of Mercury at least every two weeks; during dormant phases, fertilize monthly. Alternatively, fertilizer can be applied at a quarter of the recommended dilution with each watering session. Monthly flushing with clear water helps prevent fertilizer salt buildup.

***The ability to smell a certain orchid fragrance is very subjective to that particular individual’s olfactory senses.  Your ability/inability to smell a flower in bloom does not mean the orchid flower is without fragrance.  Please keep this in mind. 

Pictures on this website are representations of the orchid flowers we have in bloom.  Colors and tones very greatly based on your computer/phone screen.  Another factor determining color is  the fact some orchids are mericlone and some are seedlings.  Seedlings will always vary.  We make no guarantees about specific orchid flower colors.