How to Care for Big Cattleya After Bloom
As a highly ornamental variety among orchid plants, Big Cattleya is deeply loved by horticulture enthusiasts for its elegant floral posture. However, many people face difficulties in caring for the plant after the flowers fade, struggling to restore vitality and even affecting the next year's blooming. Post-bloom management actually involves some knowledge, and only by mastering four key points can this 'Queen of Orchids' regain its vitality.
Light Control Strategies
Summer Sunlight Avoidance Techniques
When the last petal falls, it is the beginning of May, the early summer. At this time, the plant should be moved to a semi-shaded environment, receiving 2 hours of soft light in the morning and evening, and using a shade net with 70% shade protection at noon. If yellow spots appear on the leaves, it indicates the need to strengthen shading measures.
Autumn and Winter Light Enhancement Plan
After October, gradually increase the duration of light, ensuring at least 6 hours of scattered light daily. Optionally, use grow lights to extend the light to 10 hours to promote bud differentiation. Remember to rotate the pot regularly to keep the plant evenly lit.
Water Management Cycle
Watering Frequency Control
Begin progressive watering two weeks after blooming, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged. Use the 'soak pot method' in summer, placing the pot in a water basin for 15 minutes every morning. In winter, switch to misting to maintain air humidity above 60%.
Water Quality Selection Points
It is recommended to use tap water or rainwater that has been standing for 3 days, with the water temperature matching the room temperature. Wipe the leaves with a diluted beer solution (water: beer = 20:1) once a month to remove dust and supplement nutrients.
Nutrition Supply Plan
Post-Bloom Top Dressing Stage
Apply decomposed soybean cake fertilizer from April to May, diluted at a ratio of 1:50 and watered weekly. From June, switch to phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer, spraying 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaf back every half month.
Special Period Nutrition
In September, when new buds sprout, bury bone meal in the substrate to supplement calcium. Before stopping fertilization in winter, add slow-release fertilizer granules to ensure basic nutrition during the dormant period.
Plant Pruning Points
Flower Spike Treatment Techniques
Seven days after the flowers completely fade, cut the flower stem obliquely 3cm away from the pseudobulb. Apply wood ash to the cut to prevent infection and retain healthy aerial roots to promote nutrient flow back.
Daily Shaping Principles
Regularly remove withered, yellow, and old leaves to maintain ventilation at the base of the plant. Retain 3-4 strong buds on new pseudobulbs, and dense side buds can be cultivated into new plants.
Through systematic post-bloom care, Big Cattleya can quickly recover its vitality and store sufficient nutrients to develop flower buds. It is recommended to check the fullness of pseudobulbs every quarter and adjust the care plan in a timely manner. By mastering the balance of light, water, and fertilizer, this precious orchid will surely bloom beautiful flowers year after year.