How to grow Cattleya

Farming methods

temperature

The suitable growth temperature for Cattleya is 20-30℃, which will be changed to 12-24℃ in March of the following year. 25-30℃ is suitable during the day, and 15-20℃ is best at midnight. A daily difference of 5-10℃ is best. In order to prevent it from entering a semi-dormant state, the temperature in the greenhouse should be kept above 10℃ in winter. If the temperature is below 12℃, move it indoors as soon as possible. When the temperature exceeds 35℃ in summer, it is necessary to create a cool environment for it, so that it can maintain vigorous growth and prevent stem and leaf rot.

illumination

Cattleya grows best in semi-shady environments. If the light is too strong, the pseudobulbs can be easily burned and other diseases can be induced. In seasons other than winter, 50-60% shading should be applied. There is no need for shading in winter, and it can be placed in front of a window to get a little sunlight.

Moisture

Cattleya has high air humidity. There should be sufficient water during the growing season, but not too much water, especially in winter when the plant is in a semi-dormant state, so watering should be controlled. Otherwise it will easily lead to root rot and death.

Planting material

For vigorously growing Cattleya plants, the planting material needs to be replaced every 1-2 years. It is best to divide the plants and repot them when the spring buds are just emerging or after the flowers have faded.

fertilizer

Cattleyas require relatively little fertilizer, and the fertilizer they need needs to be well decomposed. When the temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius or is lower than 15 degrees Celsius, stop fertilizing. Fertilizing should also be stopped during its flowering and dormant periods to avoid damaging the rhizomes.

Precautions

When cultivating Cattleya, do not change the direction of the flowerpot at will. If you keep changing its defense line, the fleshy petioles may shrink due to phototropism. If the leaves are twisted and yellow, it will affect flowering.

Most Cattleyas grown at home are propagated by division. Generally, healthy plants are divided once every three years. The method of division is basically the same as that of Chinese orchids. Each new plant after division needs to have at least three pseudobulbs, otherwise it will not bloom or will bloom very little within 2-3 years.