Cattleya orchid, also known as butterfly orchid, is a highly ornamental orchid variety. In recent years, with the pursuit of home aesthetics, cattleya orchid has gradually become a popular choice for home breeding because of its unique flower shape and color. How to successfully breed cattleya orchid in a home environment? This article will introduce you to the home breeding method of cattleya orchid in detail.
Choose the right variety of cattleya orchidWhen choosing a variety of cattleya orchid, you should first consider your own breeding environment and preferences. There are many varieties of cattleya orchid, including large flower cattleya orchid and small flower cattleya orchid. Large flower cattleya orchid has a larger flower shape and bright color, which is suitable for placing in living room or balcony and other spacious and bright places; while small flower cattleya orchid is small and delicate, which is suitable for placing in study or bedroom and other private spaces.
Suitable breeding environment1. Light: Cattleya orchid prefers scattered light and avoids direct sunlight. In home breeding, cattleya orchid can be placed in a place with bright indoor light but no direct sunlight, such as near the balcony or window.
2. Temperature: The suitable temperature for the growth of cattleya orchid is between 18-28℃, and the indoor temperature in winter should not be lower than 10℃.
3. Humidity: Cattleya orchid prefers higher air humidity, generally 60%-80% is appropriate. In dry seasons, you can regularly spray water on the leaves with a spray gun to increase air humidity.
Soil and watering1. Soil: Cattleya orchid is suitable for growing in soil with good drainage and strong breathability. You can choose a matrix mixed with leaf mold soil, peat soil and perlite.
2. Watering: Cattleya orchid does not tolerate waterlogging. When watering, follow the principle of "watering when dry and damp when wet". In the period of vigorous growth, you can water every 3-5 days; in the dormant period, you can reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization1. Spring and autumn: Apply a special orchid fertilizer or diluted liquid fertilizer once every 15 days.
2. Summer: In the hot season, the growth of cattleya orchid is slow, and the frequency of fertilization can be appropriately reduced.
3. Winter: Cattleya orchid enters the dormant period in winter and stops fertilizing.
Pruning and propagation1. Pruning: During the growth process, it is necessary to cut off the withered and yellow leaves and the weak branches in time to keep the plant ventilated and well-lit.
2. Propagation: Cattleya orchid can be propagated by division or cutting. The division can be carried out in spring, dividing the vigorous plant into several small plants; cutting can be carried out in the period of vigorous growth, selecting healthy leaves for cutting.
Breeding cattleya orchid at home is not complex. As long as you master the right breeding method, you can easily care for this precious ornamental plant at home. I hope the introduction in this article can provide help for your cattleya orchid breeding road.