How to grow Cattleya orchids? A detailed guide to the latest growing methods
Cattleya is also called Cattleya labiata, Cattleya, Cattleya, and Cattleya; hearing these names makes it clear that this plant comes from abroad. Indeed, Cattleya is one of the world-famous orchids, native to Brazil, and its flowers are delicate and noble, elegant and luxurious, earning it the title of “Queen of Orchids”. Today Qinnong Network introduces the growing methods for Cattleya here.
1. Cattleya growing habits
Because Cattleya is native to tropical and subtropical regions, it is better suited to a warm and humid environment with sufficient light. Cattleya tolerates drought, dislikes saline-alkaline soil, fears waterlogging, is not cold-tolerant, should not be exposed to direct sunlight, and dislikes dry winds. It can be grown in well-ventilated, acidic soil with high air humidity and rich in humus.
2. Cattleya growing methods
1. Temperature
The suitable growing temperature for Cattleya is 20-30°C; by March of the following year, change it to 12-24°C. During the day, 25-30°C is suitable, and at midnight it is best to keep it at 15-20°C. A daily difference of 5-10°C is best. To prevent it from entering a semi-dormant state, the greenhouse temperature in winter should be kept above 10°C. When the temperature is below 12°C, it should be moved indoors as early as possible. If it exceeds 35°C in summer, a cool environment should be created for it, so that it can maintain vigorous growth and avoid stem and leaf rot.
2. Light
Cattleya is suitable for growing in a semi-shaded environment. If the light is too strong, the pseudobulbs are easily scorched, which can induce other diseases. In seasons other than winter, 50-60% shading should be provided. In winter, no shading is needed; it can be placed in front of a window to receive a little sunlight.
3. Water
Cattleya requires relatively high air humidity. During the growing season, water should be sufficient, but do not water too much, especially in winter, when the plant is in a semi-dormant state and watering must be controlled. Otherwise, it is easy to cause root rot and death.
4. Growing medium
Vigorously growing Cattleya plants need the growing medium replaced every 1-2 years, preferably when new spring shoots have just emerged or after the flowers fade, by dividing the plant and repotting.
5. Fertilizer
Cattleya needs relatively little fertilizer, and the fertilizer must be fully decomposed. When the temperature exceeds 32°C or is below 15°C, stop fertilizing. During its flowering period and dormancy, fertilizing should also be stopped to avoid damaging the roots and stems.
The above are the Cattleya growing methods brought to you by Qinnong Network. Seeing such a beautiful flower, does your heart flutter? As the Queen of Orchids, Cattleya truly has its unique elegance; if this flower is used to decorate the home, it will appear very magnificent.