How to grow Cattleya orchids at home
This article provides a core guide on the experience of caring for and managing Cattleya orchids and other green plants. Next, let me introduce to you.
A perennial epiphytic herbaceous plant. It can grow up to 1 meter tall, with elliptical pseudobulbs that are thick; leaves are linear, growing at the top of pseudobulbs, broad and long, drooping, light green, and glossy; flower stems are oblique and slightly curved, bearing 6 to 12 flowers; flowers are large, with colors such as red, white, yellow, and green, the lips usually have dark patterns or spots, which are extremely beautiful and slightly fragrant. The flowering period can range from October to April of the following year, depending on the variety.
Cultivated Varieties
Cattleya orchids have long, green leaves, a robust flower posture, grand and magnificent, with beautiful wax-like flowers, making it a world-famous "new orchid star," a symbol of noble elegance, abundance, and harmony, and a high-end seasonal flower for winter and spring. There are many varieties of Cattleya orchids, each with different shapes. Commonly cultivated ones include Dujian, Huangchanlan, Biyulan, Xizang Hutoulan, and a variety of excellent hybrid species. Currently, popular varieties include pink, green, yellow, and white series.
Cattleya orchids are native to the southwestern part of China. They prefer warm winters and cool summers, high humidity and strong light, with an optimal growth temperature of 10°C to 25°C. They like slightly acidic water and are sensitive to calcium and magnesium ions in the water. They require high air humidity during the growing season; if humidity is too low, the plant's growth and development will be affected. They enjoy light, and sufficient lighting is beneficial for leaf growth, flower stem formation, and flowering; too much shading results in thin and elongated leaves that cannot stand upright, affecting flowering. However, they should avoid direct sunlight in the summer, and try to get as much sunlight as possible in the autumn, winter, and spring.
Propagation Methods
Cattleya orchids are usually propagated by division. The division is done during the brief dormant period after flowering and before the new buds have grown large. During division, hold the pseudobulbs and avoid injuring the new buds. Remove yellow leaves and decayed old roots, and each divided cluster should have 2 to 3 pseudobulbs, one of which must have formed the previous year. To prevent wound infection, apply sulfur or charcoal powder and place in a dry area for 1 to 2 days before potting individually to form new plants. After potting, place in a semi-shaded area and do not water immediately. If too dry, lightly spray water on the leaves and pot surface to prevent leaf drying, falling off, and severe shrinkage of pseudobulbs. Only water after new roots have formed at the base of the new buds.
Cultivation Management
In the cultivation of Cattleya orchids, a substrate with larger particles should be selected, such as vermiculite, coconut fiber, broken brick particles, baked soil, and sphagnum moss. Cattleya orchids prefer semi-shade and should be placed in a bright location indoors but avoid direct sunlight. The optimal growth temperature is 10°C to 25°C, and they dislike high temperatures, making it difficult to survive the summer. A winter temperature of around 10°C is conducive to flowering. Water when the top 3 cm of the potting soil is dry, and in winter, water only when the soil is completely dry. From spring to autumn, fertilize with a low-concentration compound fertilizer of nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium = 1:1:1 once every half month. Apply potassium fertilizer more in the autumn.
Purification Function
Cattleya orchids have a strong absorption capacity for harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde in the air, helping to purify the air. They can also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, increasing the negative ion content in the air.
The above () introduces the full content of how to grow Cattleya orchids and the care and management of Dendrobium orchids, hoping to help you, and also hoping that everyone will come to see more green plant and flower experience knowledge!