cautleya

Cautleya (Cautleya cathcartii) prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. During the summer, water once to twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In the winter, let the soil dry out more, only watering once or twice a month. To check if the plant needs water, insert a finger into the soil; if it’s dry, the plant needs to be watered. Make sure the soil is slightly acidic (pH 6.0–6.8).

Cautleya cathcartii requires plenty of sunlight and may need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. There is some flexibility in the sunlight requirements as the plant can also grow and thrive with partly shaded conditions or in bright, indirect filtered light. A location near East or West facing windows is ideal for Cautleya cathcartii in order to get the necessary amount of sunlight during the day. It is best to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, as that could lead to the plant becoming burned. Additionally, the plant should have some periods of time when no sunlight is available in order to maintain a proper balance.

Cautleya cathcartii should be pruned either in late winter or in early spring; this plant does not tolerate pruning in late summer and fall and should not be pruned at any other time. Pruning can be done by removing dead, injured, or diseased branches, as well as shoots that are growing at awkward angles or crossing each other. When pruning your Cautleya cathcartii, only prune 1-third of the new growth generated each year in order to keep enough foliage to ensure optimal health of the plant. Prune with caution as Cautleya cathcartii produces small flowers at the tips of its branches.