The Language and Symbolism of Cattleya
This article brings you the topic of the language and symbolism of Cattleya and a brief discussion on the symbolic meaning of this plant. Let's learn more about it together.
Cattleya is a plant belonging to the Cattleya genus of the Apocynaceae family. It is a commonly seen flowering plant in people's lives. Its unique flower shape, blooming into a spherical form, is very beautiful and highly ornamental. Cattleya flowers are relatively small, usually white, exuding a youthful vibe and emitting a faint fragrance. Therefore, the flower language of Cattleya is "youthful beauty." Recently, many people have been asking about the propagation of Cattleya. So, how does one propagate Cattleya?
There are two methods for propagating Cattleya: cutting and layering.
1. Cutting. This is a commonly used and relatively simple method for propagating Cattleya. Because the temperature is low in winter or early spring, it is not suitable for Cattleya cutting propagation. It is usually propagated in March and April every year. However, propagation can also be done at other times. When propagating, pay attention to the temperature, as the cutting temperature for Cattleya is generally around 18-25 degrees Celsius. Also, pay attention to the selection of soil. Cattleya prefers humus-rich, well-drained, and fertile acidic soil with good breathability; otherwise, it will affect its growth.
After preparing the pots and soil, select a healthy old stem from a semi-mature branch or after flowering, controlling the length to about 8 cm to ensure each section has two nodes. It's best to leave 2-4 leaves, not too many, as too many leaves can cause rapid evaporation and are not easy to survive. Then, let it dry for 20 minutes to dry the wound and prevent decay. Pay attention to the temperature. In the prepared potting soil, make a hole with scissors, chopsticks, or a bamboo stick, about 2-3 cm deep and 6 cm apart. Insert the cutting into the potting soil, then press the surrounding soil firmly. After watering, cover it with a layer of plastic film and place it in a shaded area to dry, waiting for it to root. Remember not to uncover the plastic wrap. Usually, it roots in about 20 days. After it grows new leaves and the root system matures, it can be transplanted.
2. Layering: In late spring and early summer, slightly damage the stem between nodes, wrap the damaged area with sphagnum moss, cover it with plastic film, and tie it up. Cut it for potting after it roots. Alternatively, you can place the potted Cattleya on the ridge, damage the internode, and bury it in the soil. Cut it for potting after it roots.
Now that we have covered the propagation of Cattleya, we also need to pay attention to some issues before and after propagation. Do not water too much, as excessive watering can cause root rot. Water once a week in summer and once a month or once a season in winter. If you can't control the amount, you can often spray water on the leaves to increase humidity. Keep it in a sunny place, avoiding direct strong sunlight, or the leaves will turn yellow. Fertilize with compound or organic fertilizer, but in winter, it will enter a semi-dormant state, and fertilization should be stopped. Pay attention to ventilation to prevent diseases and pests. These issues are also very important, and neglecting them can lead to difficulties in further growth even if the propagation of Cattleya is successful.
The above sharing on the language and symbolism of Cattleya and a brief discussion on the symbolic meaning of this plant, hope it is helpful to green plant enthusiasts!