How to care for Cattleya orchids
The web introduces how to care for Cattleya orchids and tips for making them bloom quickly, as well as related topics on orchid cultivation. Next, the site editor will introduce the topic to netizens.
Cattleya orchids belong to the Cattleya family, which is also classified as a type of succulent plant because they are drought-resistant and do not require excessive watering for normal growth. Moreover, Cattleya orchids are a typical shade-tolerant flower that can grow normally in environments with weak indoor lighting. However, they are not foliage plants; they are mainly ornamental flowers that can bloom throughout the year if well cared for, even in the hot summer. My Cattleya orchid in the greenhouse keeps producing flower buds and blooming. If you want Cattleya orchids to bloom, especially during the hot summer, you must master the flowering techniques to ensure continuous growth of new stems, which will quickly produce a new stem with one leaf and one flower.
1. Use a small pot
Cattleya orchids are a typical plant that enjoys "torture." If a large pot is used, it will produce new branches and roots, which can be clearly observed, but it will not produce flower buds. Therefore, Cattleya orchids must be grown in small pots. If you have just repotted, it will not bloom. What we need to do is let the roots fill the pot, and once they are full, we will see it bloom.
So, during the root growth stage, you should first use a high-potassium fertilizer to promote the development of the roots. When the roots are visible from the bottom hole and the growth of the branches weakens, then use a high-phosphorus fertilizer, such as "Flower More No. 2," which will make the branches grow rapidly. When new branches grow, a flower stalk will appear at the connection between each leaf and stem, directly producing flowers, achieving the goal of one leaf, one flower.
2. Ensure sufficient light
Many people grow Cattleya orchids indoors without exposure to light. Although the leaves may grow well and the branches may be robust, no flower buds will form. Therefore, during the summer, we must ensure exposure to light but avoid direct sunlight. Generally, morning light before 9 a.m. and afternoon light after 4 p.m. are sufficient. Properly adjust to avoid midday direct sunlight. Only under exposure to light can the flower buds differentiate normally, and the leaves will grow very thick. However, if exposed to direct sunlight in the summer, the leaves may turn yellow, so midday direct sunlight should be avoided.
How to care for Cattleya orchids
3. Do not overwater
If you observe carefully, you will find that the leaves of Cattleya orchids are thick, and their branches are also thick, allowing them to store a lot of water. Therefore, we should not water too much. Some orchid enthusiasts water the plants when the soil surface is dry, but excessive watering will only make the branches grow wildly. Although the roots may not rot, the plant will not bloom. When watering, follow the principle of "completely dry and then water thoroughly," but be sure to use well-draining soil and ensure good ventilation, as the soil should dry quickly after watering. This will make the roots strong and ensure good growth, preventing rotting of roots or leaves. Simply follow the "completely dry and then water thoroughly" principle, and you should not have any problems, even if you miss a watering, you can water again after a couple of days.
This is how to care for Cattleya orchids in the summer, with simple flowering techniques. Master these skills, use a small pot, ensure sufficient light, do not overwater, choose the right fertilizer, use high-phosphorus fertilizer, and avoid using potassium dihydrogen phosphate. This will ensure continuous flower bud differentiation while the plant grows, with one leaf and one flower bud blooming continuously. However, remember to keep the flower stalks after they have finished flowering, as these stalks will bloom again in the autumn, and the flowers will be much larger than before.
The above introduction on how to care for Cattleya orchids and tips for making them bloom quickly is hoped to provide orchid enthusiasts with some knowledge about flower cultivation.