Cattleya intermedia is also known as the intermediate Cattleya.
Synonyms:
Cattleya maritima Lindl. (1836)
Cattleya ovata Lindl. (1836)
Cattleya amethystina C.Morren (1848)
Cattleya loddigesii var. amethystina C. Morren ex Lem. (1853)
Cattleya lindleyana Rchb.f. (1857)
Cattleya amabilis Lindl. ex Buyss. (1878)
Cattleya gibeziae Linden & Rodigas (1887)
Cattleya aquinii Barb.Rodr. (1891)
Cattleya intermedia var. punctatissima Sander (1892)
Cattleya intermedia var. amethystina (C.Morren ex Lem.) Fowlie (1977)
It is a species of Cattleya genus.
Cattleya intermedia is native in central to southern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina in the Atlantic coastal forest where it is found on rocks and small trees near the sea or streams. This species is a small to medium sized, cool to warm growing orchid that blooms in the spring or summer with few to several (3 to 7) flowered inflorescence. They are long-lived, fragrant and have color variable flowers.
Besides the huge variation in terms of color and patterns on the flowers, the species has a fairly compact growth habit. Flowers can be up to 4" (10cm) or larger.
Cattleya intermedia is extremely adaptable and can be grown warm to cool which makes the plants very easy to cultivate. Their native habitat has high humidity and the plants moist (but not soggy) roots. Average light is required with good air circulation.
Light:
Like most orchids, given that other cultural factors are complimentary, better growth is possible at the high end of the light range, but Cattleya intermedia can be grown anywhere from bright to shady bright. In the greenhouse, use 50% shade cloth and have it in a spot where it gets mostly morning and afternoon sun but not at midday.
Temperature:
Cattleya intermedia will tolerate a wide range of temperatures and even extremes for short periods. This orchid prefers night-time temperatures to be between 13°C to 18°C. Daytime temperatures can easily reach the low 32°C without a problem.
Humidity:
Best when kept at a relative humidity of 60% or higher. With high humidity, leaves and roots absorb water in the air, which helps the orchid grow and give flowers more durable, while also helping the flowers less bud drop in the hot and dry season.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Use straight bark or bark-based potting mix. Plants could probably be grown on cork or other mount but would need to be watered frequently if not constantly.
The best time to repot Cattleya intermedia is when there is a cluster of root tips at the base of the newest pseudobulbs. This usually occurs a month or so after flowering. Although some root activity can be present at any time during the year it is best to pot only when vigorous. Repot should be done annually. A mixture of 4 parts coconut husk chips, 2 parts #4 Perlite, and 1 part Hydroton can also be used. Clay pots can be used, as they will dry out a bit faster keeping the roots from staying too wet.
Watering:
You probably should not let the plants stay dry for too long. Depending on environmental factors, water once or twice a week under normal conditions. More watering are generally necessary when it is hotter in the growing environment. This orchid would prefer never to dry out completely.
Fertilizer:
If you use time-release fertilizer, it is beneficial to fertilize weekly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer applied at half-strength. You can use granular lime to prevent acidification of the medium.