Cattleyas can be divided into two basic groups based on their number of leaves on the pseudobulb: unifoliate and bifoliate. 

Unifoliate cattleyas (labiata, mossiae, percivaliana) have one leaf per pseudobulb. Generally quite easy to grow as long as potted while roots are active, which is generally right after they have flowered. Some types such as Cattleya labiata and Cattleya trianaei form sheaths and then rest. The sheaths may begin to turn yellow and die, at which time, if they are not carefully removed, the flowers buds may rot.

Bifoliate cattleyas (amethystoglossa, bicolor, guttata) have two or more leaves per pseudobulb. These are very sensitive to potting when not actively rooting, which must be determined for each species individually. Plants can be quite large and subject to breakage of the rapidly growing pseudobulbs, hence good idea to stake psuedobulbs. Many of these produce waxy textured flowers and spotted flowers.