Is Cattleya a cactus flower?
As night falls, the Cattleya, as white as jade, gradually blooms, and its fleeting beauty always captivates the heart. As a unique member of the cactus family, the Cattleya shares both kinship and distinct differences with ordinary cacti. Mastering the correct pruning and maintenance methods can make this plant, a beauty under the moon, exhibit a more enduring vitality.
Analysis of Cattleya Plant Attributes
Family and Genus Classification Features
Cattleya (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is indeed a perennial shrub belonging to the Cattleya genus of the cactus family, with its flat, leaf-like stems differing significantly from the cylindrical shape of most cacti. Similar to the蟹爪兰 (Disocactus) and 令箭荷花 (Hylocereus), which belong to different genera of the same family, Cattleya has aerial roots and is often epiphytic on trees in its native environment.
Night-Blooming Characteristics
Different from the diurnal blooming and nocturnal closing characteristics of most cacti, Cattleya blooms between 8 and 12 p.m. during summer nights, with flower diameters reaching up to 25 centimeters, emitting a strong and fragrant scent. This special blooming mechanism has evolved to adapt to the temperature differences between day and night in deserts, extending the pollination time through the cooler night environment.
Core Techniques for Pruning Cattleya
Control of Terminal Dominance
When the main stem grows to 40-50 centimeters, pinch the top: 1. Use a sterilized scissor to cut the top 2-3 nodes flatly 2. Apply wood ash to the cut to prevent bacteria 3. Retain 3-4 lateral bud germination points at the base.
Shaping and Optimizing Pruning
Choose to prune during the warming spring: • Remove crossing and inner branches to improve ventilation • Retain 6-8 main branches evenly spaced • Weak branches are retained with 2-3 nodes to promote new buds.
Key Points for Cattleya Maintenance
Post-Pruning Care
After pruning, water control is required for 7 days, and diluted phosphorus and potassium fertilizer is applied after the cut heals. Avoid repotting immediately, maintain an ambient temperature of 18-25°C, and increase scattered light appropriately.
Principles of Protecting Old Branches
Wooden old branches over 3 years old need special protection: • Retain at least 5 main flowering branches • Retain the bud points at the base of the old branches during pruning • Supplement bone meal between the nodes of old branches in autumn.
By combining scientific pruning with moderate shading (50% light shading in summer) and humidity control (maintaining 60-70% air humidity), the Cattleya can bloom continuously 3-5 times a year. Remember to remove the residual flowers promptly after each blooming, retain the 2 nodes of the stem below the flowers, and store energy for the next blooming.