Differences Between Cattleya and Orchids, Plus Growing Methods and Points to Note
Today we introduce a very special tropical orchid called Cattleya. When in full bloom, it is famous for its gorgeous bearing and vivid colors, and is known as the king of orchids. It not only catches the eye at flower exhibitions, but can also be seen in many botanical gardens. Let us learn about this tropical orchid together below.
What makes it different from ordinary orchids is that its flowers are especially large compared with ordinary ones, and its colors are more vivid. After blooming, it also gives off a unique fragrance, making it a favorite of many orchid collectors.
In terms of care, Cattleya likes soft yet sufficient scattered light. So we suggest placing it indoors near a window. If the light at home is insufficient and rather dark, then a grow light should be used to increase and supplement the light duration. In hot summer days, strong direct sun exposure must be strictly guarded against; at this time it needs to be moved back indoors promptly, or a shade net should be added.
As for water, Cattleya likes a humid environment, but this does not mean it should be given lots and lots of water, because too much water can easily lead to root rot. It is suggested to check the bottom of the pot for accumulated water after watering, and pour it out promptly if found, otherwise root rot can easily occur. In addition, besides its water requirements, it also has relatively high humidity requirements, and the air humidity around it needs to be maintained frequently by misting or using a humidifier, otherwise it can easily become too dry and the plant will appear withered.
As for soil, orchids by nature prefer soil that is airy and has relatively high moisture retention, so the choice can be a mix such as leaf mold, bark and perlite. The characteristic of this kind of medium is that it is well aerated and can also maintain a certain degree of humidity, so it can also be considered the best growing companion for Phalaenopsis.
As for routine fertilizing, during the growing period of Cattleya it is suggested to apply orchid-specific fertilizer every two weeks. In winter, because its own metabolic rate begins to slow down, its demand for nutrients decreases accordingly at this time; then it is suggested not to fertilize heavily, as this can easily cause fertilizer burn, and the plant cannot absorb it, which is instead harmful.