How to care for the Cattleya orchid after flowering
Let me share with you some small experiences on how to care for the Cattleya orchid after flowering and some plant cultivation tips for extending the blooming period. Here are the details.
Many people go to the flower market to buy New Year flowers during the Chinese New Year, among which there is a type called the Cattleya orchid, which is very popular and expensive. Its high price is still attractive to many because it produces large, vibrant blooms in clusters when flowering. Moreover, having a pot of it at home can provide enjoyment for several months. However, most Cattleya orchids bought this year may bloom, but very few will bloom the following year. Some even start to have problems after flowering and are discarded. Cattleya orchids are a type of orchid and are not very difficult to care for. If you've bought one that has finished flowering, don't throw it away. I'll teach you three care techniques so that it can still bloom and thrive next year.
1. Pruning after flowering
Once the Cattleya orchid has finished flowering, we need to prune it promptly. Do not keep the flower stem. Generally, cut about one inch below the first flower. However, make sure not to water it after pruning and avoid getting water into the center of the flower stem. Pruning should be done on a sunny day. After a few days, when you see the flower stem has retracted, you can repot it.
2. Repotting
Usually, the Cattleya orchid you buy either comes in a tall pot or a simple one. Both types of pots are not suitable. The pots provided by the seller often do not have the roots pruned properly and are filled with soil, which can easily lead to root rot and poor growth later on. Repotting is simple: remove it from the pot, remove all the soil from the roots, and carefully untangle and trim any rotting or dry roots. After trimming the bad roots, soak the roots in a solution of rooting hormone and fungicide for 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, you can proceed with planting.
Use special orchid soil for repotting, or you can use your own composted bark and peanut shells. Choose a pot one to two sizes larger than the original one. When planting, fill some soil in the center of the roots, wrap the roots with soil, place it in the pot, add soil to the bottom, and then fill the sides. Gently shake the pot to compact the soil. Leave a small part of the root and base of the leaves exposed. Do not cover them completely. Avoid using mulch or organic fertilizers at the base. After planting, water thoroughly with the fungicide and rooting hormone solution, turning the pot several times to ensure the soil is fully soaked. Then place it in a well-lit, ventilated area for one to two weeks before gradually returning to normal care.
How to care for the Cattleya orchid after flowering
3. Post-flowering care
If you notice the Cattleya orchid starting to grow, gradually increase its exposure to light. Unlike other orchids, Cattleya orchids enjoy light but are sensitive to direct sunlight. Ensure it gets at least two to three hours of light each day, such as before 10 a.m. and after 2 or 3 p.m. Keep the potting mix slightly moist, and ensure good ventilation. After repotting, start fertilizing with a balanced multi-element fertilizer. Continue this until summer arrives, ensuring it is shaded and not exposed to direct sunlight. Water when the soil surface is dry and maintain good ventilation. Use phosphorus-potassium fertilizer at a low concentration, once or twice a month, to help it form flower buds. By autumn, the flower spikes should emerge and bloom. Continue using phosphorus-potassium fertilizer until autumn, and apply it when the flower spikes appear, stopping once they have grown tall.
This is how to care for the Cattleya orchid in your home. After buying it, prune and repot promptly, follow the tips for repotting, and care for it as described. The key is to ensure proper humidity and ventilation. Avoid direct sunlight. If you care for it properly, it will grow strong roots and produce flower spikes by autumn, allowing you to enjoy its blooms again the following year.
The above is the full content on how to care for the Cattleya orchid after flowering and tips for extending its blooming period, hoping it will be helpful to orchid enthusiasts!