Brassolaeliocattleya Mahina Yahiro Ullii AM/AOS

The Blc. Mahina Yahiro Ullii AM/AOS was WOW, WOW and WOW when it was first released. It has not only garnered two AOS flower awards, but is also a recipient of a First Class Certificate at the 4th Asia Pacific Orchid Show in addition to garnering Best Cattleya accolades at the 1999 New Otani International Show. The Blc. Mahina Yahiro is a cross between a cotton candy pink Cattleya and a large pink lavender Cattleya. 

This wonderfully fragrant hybrid is quite small for a cattleya, producing upright growths on a compact footprint rather than being widely spread or “walking” as is the case with many Cattleyas. The B. digbyana in its background really shines through in this hybrid with its large prominent lip, intense fragrance, and robust, compact growth habit. Blc. Mahina Yahiro is a great improvement over both parents—it’s one of our best-selling pink Cattleyas with a Brasso-lip, its flowers reaching 15cm in size with up to two flowers per inflorescence. It blooms twice a year—once in late fall and again in the spring.

LIGHT

As with most cattleya hybrids you will need a lot of good sun exposure for them to grow well and flourish. A north exposure window that gets sunshine throughout the day will be best. However, ensure to give it diffused light during the hottest summer days as the foliage may get burned. Remember if the foliage gets a red tan, it means that your light is more than enough.

TEMPERATURE

Plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In the spring and summer, day-time temperature can reach up to 27C to 34C degree maximum for a short period of time, with a noticeable difference at night. During winter months, day temperatures in the intermediate average of 19C are preferred.

HUMIDITY

Ideally humidity should be kept from 40 to 60%.   However they can tolerate lower levels.  Use humidity trays or a small room humidifier when growing indoors.

WATER & FERTILISER

Use pure water, such as rainwater, distilled or reverse osmosis water if possible.   Hard water tends to spot the leaves and will eventually collect in the medium.  Flush the plant regularly, especially if using municipal or well water. Never use artificially softened water.  Plants should  dry out between watering.  Use ample water in spring and summer while the plants are in active growth and in flower, reducing water greatly during cooler winter days.  If plants are mounted, they will need to be water/misted every other day.  For fertiliser use a balanced orchid fertiliser during active growth.  If using rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, use a fertiliser formulated for pure water, or add some tap water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilise very lightly every other watering during the growing season. 

POTTING MEDIUM & POTS

Cattleya hybrids will grow in a wide variety of medium, ranging from coarse bark to the other set ups.  They can also be grown mounted if preferred. Pots can also range from clay to plastic.  With any pots, insure there is adequate drainage.  Add extra holes to plastic pots and enlarge the bottom hole in clay pots.