How to manage the blooming period of Cattleya orchids and the maintenance skills during their flowering period.

Management During blooming period of Cattleya

As a star variety in the annual flower market, Cattleya has captured the hearts of many flower enthusiasts with its super-long flowering period of up to half a year. How does this subtropical orchid maintain its best condition during its blooming process of more than 200 days? This article will provide a detailed analysis of the four key elements of care during the blooming period.

Analysis of blooming characteristics of Cattleya

Blooming cycle and regulation techniques

In its natural state, Cattleya flowers from early October to late April of the following year, with a flowering period of 6 to 7 months. The annual flowering can be achieved by temperature control: when the ambient temperature is maintained at 15-18°C, the development speed of the flower spike is slowed down, and the single flower period can be extended to 45 days; reducing the temperature to 12°C at night can delay the flowering period, while increasing it to 20°C can promote earlier flowering.

Key points for managing the blooming period of Cattleya

Light control strategy

During the bud differentiation period, ensure 6 hours of scattered light per day, and adjust to 4 hours after flowering. In winter, direct sunlight can be accepted (from 10:00 to 15:00), and in summer, a shading net is used to filter 50% of the light. It is recommended to rotate the pot 180 degrees every 3 days to ensure that the flower branches are evenly exposed to light.

Temperature and humidity balance plan

The ideal daytime temperature is 18-22°C, and the night temperature is maintained at 12-15°C. When the temperature exceeds 25°C, a humidification system should be started to maintain 60% air humidity. A hygrometer can be used to monitor, and early morning and evening misting (avoiding the flowers) can be used to keep the environment moist.

Scientific watering method

Use the "three-finger detection method": insert the fingers 3cm deep into the matrix, and water thoroughly when dry. The amount of water during the flowering period should be reduced to 2/3 of the growing period, and it is recommended to use softened water at about 25°C, with timed irrigation at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday.

Guide to fertilizing Cattleya during the blooming period

Apply a liquid fertilizer with a phosphorus-potassium ratio of 3:1 (EC value 1.2-1.5mS/cm) every 10 days before the bud appears, and stop fertilizing immediately after the bud color appears. In special cases where additional fertilization is needed, a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be sprayed on the leaves, but attention should be paid to:

Choosing a sunny morning to operate and strengthening ventilation after spraying to avoid solution accumulation in the leaf axils

Through precise care and management, not only can the single branch flowering period of Cattleya be extended to more than 50 days, but the overall viewing period can also be extended by 30%. Remember the three taboos during the flowering period: avoid frequent moving, avoid sudden changes in temperature, and avoid fertilizer directly touching the roots. Mastering these techniques will make your Cattleya bloom longer!