|
Cattleyas
(and their relatives)
Care and Growing Tips
Cattleyas
are warmth-loving orchid plants native to jungles and rainforests
of Central and South America, with a few relatives occurring
in the southeast United States. Cattleyas must be kept warm
- by which we mean comfortable indoor temperatures, 55 to
60 degrees F. minimum at night, with a temperature increase
during the day of about 10 to 15 degrees.
They
readily tolerate higher temperatures, but should be protected
from temperatures over 100 F Cattleyas and many of their relatives
are the orchids that DO like to dry out between waterings.
They
can be watered best by placing them in a sink and running
cold water into the pot for 10 or 15 seconds; the plants should
be watered thoroughly from time to time to allow minerals
deposited in the bark medium to be rinsed out. Morning is
the best time to water any orchids. Once a week to 10 days
while blooming will usually be sufficient for a large plant;
if two flower stems are present, more waterings may be required.
When not blooming, once per two weeks is usually enough. When
watering, remove the plant in its plastic pot from the decorative
pot/basket.
Cattleyas
greatly appreciate frequent applications of very mild dilutions
of fertilizer. Many commercial brands work well, such as Miracle
Grow, Peters, Dyna Grow, and so on; in most cases, the label
will provide information on how much fertilizer to add to
a gallon of water to make a solution - but it is best to make
a far, far weaker one. For example, if the label calls for
1 tablespoon of fertilizer granules per gallon of water, to
be applied once per month, try instead about one half teaspoon
of granules per gallon, applied every other watering. Premixed
fertilizer can be kept for some time under a sink, or in a
cabinet out of reach of children (and away from light, which
will allow algae to grow in the water in unsightly fashion).
Cattleyas
have a craving for light, but their needs can be met easily.
An hour to two hours of full sun in the early morning, OR
sun diminished by sheer curtains for a longer period, are
some variations either of which would provide enough light
to allow the plants to grow and bloom. The standard test for
Cattleya light levels is: jade green leaves Ð not enough light.
Yellowish green leaves, often with purplish blushing around
the edges Ð plenty of light. Remember, the equation goes:
Light + fertilizer = flowers.
Cattleyas
are one of the orchids that mostly take a rest after blooming
(some few do so before blooming). When there are no green
root tips, no new growth coming up from the base of the plant,
and no flower buds developing, your plant is most likely resting
and requires that you water it much less Ð no more than 2
times per month!
Many
Cattleyas can bloom every six or so months, but largely the
ones you will see bloom just once per year, as do virtually
all the natural species of Cattleya.
The
last item of concern is you! Take a little time to admire
the stately display; go closer and explore the intricacies
of the floral structure. We think you'll find a bit of peace
of mind, a brief mental vacation in your piece of tropical
paradise.
|
