The Cattleya - Flowering
The elegant blooms of this tropical epiphyte
are produced and sold throughout the world.
Cattleyas are generally large and fragrant flowers. The average
flowering period for a Cattleya is 3 to 6 weeks depending on the
environment.
Make sure to water more often when Cattleyas are about to bloom,
and throughout the blooming period.
Once done blooming, Cattleyas will drop their flowers. There is
nothing you have to cut or remove.
The Cattleya - Light requirements
Is one of the most important factors in growing and blooming cattleyas,
whether in a greenhouse setting or in the home.
Bright light to some sun must be given to the plants, but no direct
sun in the middle of the day. This means at east, shaded-south (as
with a sheer curtain) or west window in the home, and 30% to 50%
of full sun in a greenhouse (3,000 to 5,000 foot-candles).
Leaves should be a medium green color
The Cattleya - Temperatures
Recommended temperatures are 55 to 60 degrees F at night and 70
to 85 degrees during the day.
Seedlings should have night temperatures 5 to 10 degrees higher.
A 10 to 20 degrees differential between day and night is recommended,
especially for mature plants.
Higher day temperatures can be tolerated (up to 95 degrees F),
if humidity, air circulation and shading are increased.
The Cattleya - Required Watering
Should be provided in two ways: in the pot by watering and in the
air as humidity. Watering in the pot is dictated by many criteria
- size and type of pot, temperature, light, etc.
Mature cattleyas need to dry out thoroughly before being watered
again.
Seedlings need slightly more constant moisture. Compare the weight
of a dry pot of the same size and type of medium; it can indicate
if a plant needs water.
A freshly sharpened pencil inserted in the potting medium can
be an indicator of moisture.
If in doubt, it's best to wait a day or two until watering.
Plants in active growth need more water than plants that are resting.
Water below 50 degrees F may injure plants, as will softened water.
The Cattleya - Necessary Humidity levels
Cattleyas need 50% to 80% relative humidity.
This can be provided in the home by placing the plants on trays
of gravel, partially filled with water so that the plants stand
above the water.
Misting the plants in the morning only is helpful in dry climates.
Air should always be moving around the plants to prevent fungal
or bacterial disease, especially if high humidity and/or cool temperatures
exist.
In the greenhouse the humidity can be increased by wetting the
floor.
Evaporative cooling increases humidity while cooling the air.
The Cattleya - Chilling Injury -
Cut Flowers
These plants have flowers that are failry
sensitive to "chilling" injury. Holding the flowers for any length
of time at temperatures below 10° C (50° F) will induce purpling,
browning around the edge, and then necrosis.
Cattleys Blooms should therefore never be pre-cooled with other
flowers, nor held in low temperature cool-rooms below 50 degrees
F..
The Cattleya - Fertilizer Requirements
Must be given to cattleyas on a regular schedule. In fir bark,
a high nitrogen (30-10-10) forrmulation, or a similar proportion,
is used. High-phosphorus or bloom booster (10-30-20) formulation
may be used occasionally (every 4 to 6 applications) to make sturdy
growths and promote healthy blooming.
When in active growth, plants need fertilizer every two weeks,
and when not growing, once a month. Fertilizer can also be applied
with every watering at 1/4 recommended dilution.
Thorough flushing with clear water every month is recommended to
prevent buildup of fertilizer salts.
The Cattleya - Potting & Re-potting
Is necessary when 1) the rhizome of the plants protrudes over
the edge of the pot, or 2) the potting medium starts to break down
and drain poorly (usually after 2 to 3 years).
It is best to repot 1) just before new roots sprout from the rhizome,
2) after flowering, or 3) in the spring time.
Mature cattleyas are usually potted in medium-grade potting material;
seedlings in fine-grade.
Until a plant has six mature pseudobulbs, it generally should be
put into a larger pot and not divided.
If dividing a plant, 3 to 5 bulbs per division are required. Select
a pot that will allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before crowding
the pot.
Place a small cone of potting material in the bottom of the pot,
cut off any rotten roots, and spread the firm, live roots over the
cone.
Fill the pot with medium, working it around the roots. Pack firmly;
stake if necessary. Keep the plant humid, shaded and dry at the
roots for a while to promote new root growth.
A vitamin B1 solution may help re-establish plants quickly.
The Cattleya -
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