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Cattleya
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Cattleyas are the orchids most often brought to mind when orchids are mentioned. Though once a rich man's
hobby, they are now commonly grown. Cattleyas come in a wide range of colors - from purples and whites to yellows,
reds, greens and even blues.
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Where can I grow them?
Though all orchids do best in a glasshouse, many hobbyists successfully grow
Cattleyas as house plants. Except for humidity and light, conditions in the home are generally favorable for Cattleya growth.
They may be grown out of doors in the summer months (under lath or saran shading), and in a sunny window in
the winter months.
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Watering
Because Cattleyas can stand long drying periods, they like to be alternately well-watered and well
dried out. On the average, a mature plant needs a good watering about once a week. Smaller plants will generally
need water about twice a week during the growing season (March - October). If in doubt about watering, skip for a
day or two. Constant over-watering will rot the roots and kill the plant. When you water, soak the plant.
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Humidity
Whether outdoors or in the home, humidity is obtained by placing the plants over gravel in a
tray containing water. The evaporation of the water around the gravel provides humidity.
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Temperatures
Cattleyas may be grown where an approximate range of
55oF minimum to around 90oF
maximum can be maintained with a relative humidity of about 50% to 60%. Temporary temperatures higher than
90oF are not harmful; however
60oF to 80oF is optimum.
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Potting Media
Fir bark is now the most commonly used potting material for Cattleyas. This can be moistened before use.
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Feeding
The feeding of Cattleyas is relatively simple. The use of 20-20-20 fertilizer is recommended. Use at
a ratio of one teaspoon per gallon of water every 2 weeks throughout the year.
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Light & Shading
Cattleyas need a good amount of light to grow and flower. If kept in a sunny window, they
should be lightly shaded during mid-day. Lace curtains or a piece of cheesecloth or saran will do. A good guide to
proper light is the color of the foliage. It should be light green rather than dark. If your plants do not develop sheaths
and flower, it is a sign of not enough light.
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Repotting - Divided
Look for a set of 3 conditions in determining when to repot your Cattleya plant:
- The roots are over the edge of the pot.
- The plant is starting to make new roots.
- The plant has just finished flowering.
If the plant is not doing well and the bark in the potting mix is broken down, it should be repotted regardless of
the above. If a plant is potted too shortly before blooming, the flowers will not be of the best quality.
A good rule when dividing mature Cattleya plants, is to allow from 3 to 5 bulbs to a division permitting them to
go into 5" and 6" pots. Avoid over potting. In order to allow space for 2 years' growth, have the divisions placed
with lead growth in center of pot. Surface of the mix should be about an inch below the top of the pot. In making
the divisions, make a clean cut with a sterilized cutting instrument. (Use Tree-Seal on the wounds.) Cut off dead
roots, retaining the healthy, active ones. Pack Cattleya mix firmly about the roots, and pound down hard.
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Care of newly potted plants
Newly potted plants require somewhat different care than those well
established. When a plant is repotted, its root system is disturbed, sometimes severely. The basic requisites are to keep the
plant well shaded, warm, humid, but dry at the
roots. Spray the leave lightly with water 2 to 3 times a day. A plant
will root out quickly if it receives this care. Drying out encourages a Cattleya to root out. Resume normal watering
after the plant has started to root.
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