Growth Requirements For Cattleya Orchids

By Rebecca Allen


Cattleya are one the categories of a widespread variety of flowering plants which give out colorful blooms. Cattleya Orchids have different colored flowers due to the many species present. This genus obtained its name from an amateur, Mr. William Cattley, who was a horticulturist. In the past, they were used in occasions by women as decoration on their hair. Theses flowers are still attractive and have great fragrance. The requirements for proper tending are as follow.

Like any other plant, light affects their development. Too much exposure is harmful. The question comes about, just how much light is sufficient. This can be identified by the pigmentation of leaves. Dark green foliage indicates too much while yellow-green show the optimum. If no florets are produced, is a sign of excess exposure. Shade is needed for about seventy percent coverage. This provides a good shelter.

They are referred to as epiphytes. Water is essential at the initial growth stage. They have rhizome, which is a horizontal growing stem that is continuous. This stem has adventitious roots. It needs a lot of water and as it grows until the pseudobulb which is a storage organ begins to appear vertically. When flowering commences, water should be cut off. It should only be added when it is depleted. Monitoring of the quantity required is important otherwise they die.

The media in which they mature in is important. They need minimal soil and water. They are suitable as houseplants. Potting must be done when the roots emerge.

Potting should be done when they begin to throw out roots from the rhizome. The size should of the media should be large enough to allow a longer time to grow before reporting for at least two seasons. When performing the task of repotting, dead the roots are removed and the new ones exposed.

They require nutrients to grow. A fertilizer with low nitrogen content is chosen. High contents of nitrogen may cause decomposition and a vegetative kind of product. They also require flushing with water and since the media is limited death of the product occur. It is however necessary to keep minimal levels that will allow regular addition as it progresses.

Other aspects to consider are temperature, humidity and air movement. The genus originates from regions experiencing high temperatures but in the same place, they grow in higher attitudes which are cooler. Growing then at home, the temperature condition must be maintained. High temperatures damages young tips and exposure for a long time causes damage. Humidity and air movements must be controlled and maintained at optimum for best results.

They are the easier ones to grow of the floral family. Their hybrids exist and are capable of blooming twice per year. The normal species produce only once. They have different attractive colors and fragrance too although it should be noted that not all of them produce the sweet scents. The end product depends on the proper nurturing by the grower.




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