The use of agricultural residue as a substrate for plant growth is a promising alternative for the cultivation of orchids, whether by providing cost reduction or contributing to minimize pollution through the accumulation of these materials in environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of Cattleya hybrid in substrates based on coffee husk. The experiment was in complete randomized design, with six treatments (xaxim; coffee husk; coffee husk + coconut powder; coffee husk + fibered coconut, coffee husk + pinus husk; coffee husk+ carbonized rice husk) and ten replications. After 24 months, some plant traits were evaluated: plant height, number of buds, number of flowers; the largest pseudo-bulb diameter, the longest root length and root dry matter. Chemical analysis and evaluation of pH, electric conductivity, density and water retention capacity of substrates were taken, with exception of the chemical composition of coconut based substrates. There was no significant difference between the substrates when considering the plant height, number of flower and root dry matter, with an average of 33 cm; 1.1 g, and 3.5 g respectively. Regarding coffee husk and mixtures, no differences were found in the length of roots. Mixing coffee husk with coconut powder increased the number of shoots and diameter of the largest pseudobulbs, whereas mixing coffee husk with carbonized rice husk increased the the number of shoots. The coffee husk can be used in the cultivation of orchid hybrid (C. forbesii x C. labiata) x C. labiata, especially mixed with coconut powder or carbonized rice husk, not being indicated as only substrate.
(C. forbesii x C. labiata) x C. labiata; Cattleya hibrid; agricultural residues; ornamental plant
