How to grow Cattleya orchids well
Today, I will explain in detail how to grow Cattleya orchids and the related knowledge of caring for them, as follows:
Cattleya orchids bloom with noble and elegant beauty, they are not only attractive and festive but also one of the favorite flowers during the Spring Festival. Many orchid enthusiasts reflect that although Cattleya orchids are very beautiful when blooming, they are not easy to care for. Problems often start to arise shortly after purchasing them, especially in northern regions where low temperatures make it difficult to grow Cattleya orchids well. So, are Cattleya orchids really that difficult to grow? Personally, I think as long as you understand their growing habits and pay more attention during daily care, they are quite easy to grow.
What kind of soil to use for cultivation
Cattleya orchids, like other orchids, have fleshy roots and have strict requirements for growing soil. They are often not suitable in ordinary garden soil. Therefore, when potting or repotting, it is necessary to prepare loose, breathable, and fertile potting soil for them.
The potting soil for Cattleya orchids should be similar to that of other orchids, using more decomposed pine bark, peanut shells, and other materials. You can also use pine needle soil mixed with a small amount of thoroughly calcined coal slag to grow Cattleya orchids. With suitable growing soil, proper daily care will keep the plant thriving.
Watering Cattleya orchids
Watering is crucial for growing Cattleya orchids well. Like other orchids, they enjoy a moist environment but are very afraid of waterlogging. During the vigorous growth period, you can water moderately more, and replenish water promptly when the potting soil is dry. You can place the entire pot in a large pot of water to allow it to absorb water from below to saturate the soil, then water again when the potting soil is completely dry.
How to grow Cattleya orchids well
In winter, special attention should be paid when caring for Cattleya orchids. The low temperature at this time causes slow evaporation of water, and the plant's demand for water decreases. Many orchid enthusiasts continue to water them excessively, leading to the potting soil staying moist for a long time, which can result in root rot and yellow leaves. Do not water too frequently in winter. Check the potting soil first, and only water when it is completely dry.
In winter, growing Cattleya orchids in northern regions with indoor heating can make the air very dry. While watering, it is also necessary to maintain a higher humidity by frequently spraying water around the potted plants to provide a good growing environment for the plant.
How to fertilize
During the growing period, you can directly apply a nutrient solution for orchids or bury some thoroughly fermented organic fertilizers like soybean cake fertilizer or sheep manure in the pot. This not only supplements nutrients for the plant but also loosens the soil, promoting rapid growth.
In autumn and winter, before the plant starts to differentiate flower buds, reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizer. Water the plant with a dilute potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution every 10 days or so. The concentration should not be too high, just mix it in a 1:1000 ratio. This is beneficial for the plant to differentiate flower buds quickly. When the plant starts to produce flower spikes and bloom, do not fertilize excessively, as it can easily cause fertilizer burn and lead to flower drop.
Adequate sunlight in winter
Whether Cattleya orchids can bloom in winter is directly related to temperature, nutrients, and sunlight. Before winter, as long as the temperature is not too low, do not move it indoors too early. Let it experience a period of low-temperature care outdoors, which is more conducive to flower bud differentiation.
In terms of sunlight, be sure to provide shade in the summer and never expose the plant to direct sunlight, as it can easily burn the leaves and cause drying. From autumn, gradually expose it to scattered sunlight, which is beneficial for the plant to absorb nutrients and promote flower bud differentiation. In winter, when sunlight is weaker, it is fine to expose the plant to full-day sunlight, which can make the plant bloom earlier.
The detailed explanation of how to grow Cattleya orchids well and the key points of caring for them shared above hopes to provide you with help in green plant management.