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Cattleya |
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KAT-Iee-uh |
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The Corsage Orchid
Cattleyas are among the most commonly grown orchids, and their culture
is often used as the basis for comparison with other types of orchids. Like
most other cultivated orchids, cattleyas are
epiphytes, or air plants. They have well-developed water-storage organs (called
pseudobulbs) and large, fleshy roots. They should be
potted in a porous, free-draining medium. The most commonly used are mixes (in
the north) with fir bark, coconut chunk, sphagnum moss, and peat moss as the
base with charcoal, perlite and other materials sometimes used as additives.
Keep out of cold, dry air while in bloom.
L I G H T
Sufficient light is important for healthy
growth and flower production.
Provide bright light, some sun. In the home,
an east, west or lightly shaded south window. In a greenhouse, about 40 to 60
percent full sun. Under lights, four 40 watt fluorescent
tubes and two 40 watt incandescent bulbs directly over plants. Plants
should be naturally erect, without need of much staking (flowers still may
require staking), and of a medium olive-green color. Dark green, limp foliage indicates too little
light.
TEMPERATURE
Mature plants prefer a 15 to 20 F difference between night
and day.
PROVIDE Nights of 50 to 60 F (although some
can easily do 40 F); days of 65 to 85F. Cattleyas can tolerate temperatures up
to 95 to l00F if shading, humidity and air
circulation are increased. Seedling cattleyas prefer temperatures
65-80 F. continuously..
W AT E R
Mature plants must dry out between waterings. In the house with a few plants a soak
watering by placing in a bucket of water to mix level can be used to provide a
good watering. In the greenhouse water heavy and then let dry out. Seedlings
need more-constant moisture. Quality of water is important to keep salts low.
H U M I D IT Y
Cattleyas prefer 40 to 60 percent. In the home, place on humidity trays. In greenhouse, use a
humidifier if conditions are too dry.
Misting plants in the morning only is also good.
FERTILIZER
Must be provided on a
regular basis because most potting media have little.
The
exact fertilizer you use will depend on the mix in which your plant is growing.
A good general rule is to use a nitrate based fertilizer "weakly, weekly."
That is, fertilize every week at one half teaspoon/gal.
POTTING
Should be done every two
years for mature plants every year for seedlings and plants in fine mix. Repot in spring before mix loses consistency
(breaks down). Pot firmly in media that has good aeration and
ample drainage, allowing enough room for two years' growth.
SUMMER OUTINGS
Hanging plants out for the summer in a
lightly shaded area can be of great benefits for those growing in the
home. Watering and other requirements go
down easing summer care. Just bring them
in before it gets too cold and look for pests on plants when you bring them in.
Roberts Flower Supply
This text is a recommendation only,
it is not an endorsement of any products or acceptance of any liability as a
result of usage.