Cattleya Cultivation Methods and Techniques
Sharing some experience about the succulent plant Cattleya, its cultivation methods and techniques. The following is an introduction by our site editor.
This is an article from 2009, and the reason it's called "Cattleya Cultivation Methods and Techniques" and shared with plant enthusiasts again is because the author not only discusses the cultivation methods but also introduces some information about the native habitat of Cattleya. This helps enthusiasts understand the plant fundamentally, rather than just focusing on the cultivation methods.
Part One: Characteristics of Cattleya's Native Habitat
Cattleya is a tropical rainforest epiphytic plant, usually found on large trees in the jade forest, rooting in the moss. Each node of its stem can produce aerial roots to anchor itself to a vertical surface, which determines that Cattleya prefers a loose and breathable substrate soil. Since moss is rich in calcium, they have a certain requirement for calcium. Birds in the rainforest often defecate on tree trunks, and when it rains, the diluted bird droppings flow down to the ground, making it an ideal fertilizer for them over millions of years, but the content must be low to avoid root burn.
Being a rainforest plant, their habits are almost similar to those of epiphytic orchids, enjoying a humid and warm environment. It often rains a lot in the rainforest, and they have long preferred the neutral or slightly acidic soft water. It's important to note that while Cattleya can tolerate some alkalinity, it does not tolerate excessive acidity. If the cultivation medium is too acidic, it can cause the plant to drop flowers and break apart, while excessive alkalinity can cause wilting, reddening of the leaves, and drying out.
Part Two: Cattleya Cultivation Methods
1) Substrate: The key issue for most enthusiasts who cannot grow Cattleya well is the substrate. It is recommended to use 30% peat soil, 10% charcoal (or rice husk charcoal), 20% vermiculite (ordinary crushed vermiculite can also be used), and 40% granular media.
2) Soil Replacement: Soil replacement should be done in spring, around the end of March to early April. First, crumble the potting soil of the purchased Cattleya, trim the old roots, leaving only some main roots, and let them dry in the sun for 3 to 7 days. Then plant them in vermiculite to induce root growth for about 2 weeks. When new roots start to grow on the main roots, you can transfer them to the previously prepared substrate. Initially, you can use a cut-open cola bottle to cover and increase humidity. When new leaves start to grow, you can remove the cola bottle cover to let them adapt to the indoor environment.
3) Watering: Due to the rainforest climate, Cattleya enjoys a humid environment, but their roots are not tolerant to waterlogging. Only a very loose, breathable, and non-waterlogged soil environment is suitable for their growth. At home, you can water thoroughly every 2-3 days to flush away the acidic substances secreted by the Cattleya roots in the soil (since Cattleya is a cactus plant, their roots secrete a lot of acidic substances, which can lead to soil acidification and ultimately affect the plants themselves, which is also the cause of flower bud drop). Cattleya has high requirements for water, and at home, it is best to use rainwater, distilled water, purified water, or softened water to water them, as they are very sensitive to calcium and magnesium ions due to their evolutionary environment.
4) Fertilizing: Cattleya prefers a diluted liquid fertilizer with a high phosphorus content. It can be supplemented by frequently spraying a 0.5% solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
The above information provides a comprehensive introduction to Cattleya cultivation methods and techniques, hoping to bring some knowledge about green plants to plant enthusiasts.