When the subject of orchids comes up, responses from many people seem to be "Oh, I could never grow orchids...aren't they difficult?" or ..."I don't have a greenhouse and can't grow them." I have a particular interest in cultivating orchids that are able to be easily cultivated in windowsills or in other bright areas of the home, as long as they have light but no direct sun.  As I have stated, choose a bright spot for these and choose a compact or miniature variety of orchid.  Some good circulation away from direct heat or drafts is important.  Ceiling fans are great in the room. This instruction information is with the Cattleya family in mind.  In other words, "Minicatts".

When location is found, place a shallow tray of pebbles and fill almost to the top with water. Place orchid on top of these pebbles.  (Bottom of pot should not touch the water)  Maintain this for proper humidity of plants.  I suggest misting daily around the base of plant, not to wet the plant but to provide humidity.  Water sparingly as cattleyas don't like to stay wet very long.  Maybe experiment with once a week, checking the media (bark or whatever it is planted in...I suggest bark mix.) For small plants in small pots of 4 inches or less, use seedling bark mix (about 1/3 bark, 1/3 large perlite, 1/3 small charcoal meant for potted plants.)  Fertilizing should be done lightly.  You may foliar feed by mixing dilute mixture of orchid plant fertilizer and applying it from a simple spray bottle.  The undersides of the plants receive the food so spray under the leaves and all over.  Dilute fertilizer that cattleyas like if you enjoy feeding often and safely would be 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fertilizer (high nitrogen for growth, high phosphorous for bloom or balanced at about 20-20-20 is good and may be used solely.  Water plant thoroughly the day before if applying fertilizer in stronger mix such as the manufacturer may suggest.

Learn to observe the plants and see if they are "happy".  In other words, if leaves are dark green, they are getting not enough light. If leaves are a nice bright lighter green , the light should be adequate.  Light is important for blooming.  Check for tiny mealy bugs who seem to come from anywhere.  They would be behind the blooms on flower or base of flower at stems or anywhere on leaves there is a fold or good place to hide.  If tiny white specks or bigger ones are observed, you may take a bottle of rubbing alcohol and spray or use cotton swab to remove the insects.  This works for scale, as well.  I happen to use non-toxic "Neem Oil" for insects on my plants but use the alcohol spray for quick removal when insects are observed.  I also prefer nontoxics inside a household where family members and pets may be at risk when using toxic chemicals.

The most important thing I have learned about watering is with cattleyas, overwatering is the worst thing that can happen to them.  They would be happier if too dry than too wet which will eventually rot the roots and they will perish.  Enjoy your plants and Keep It Simple...Joan