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Cattleya
Care
for Beginner
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 fir bark,
shredded tree-fern fiber,
various types of rock, processed
coconut fiber and lately, mixes
based on peat moss and perlite.
Keep out of cold, dry air while
in bloom.
Light
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 30 to 50 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, and of a medium
olive-green color. Dark green,
limp foliage indicates too
little light.
Temperature
Mature plants need a 15 to 20 F
difference between night and
day.
Provide Nights
of 55 to 60 F; days of 70 to 85
F. Cattleyas can tolerate
temperatures up to 95 to 100 F
if shading, humidity and air
circulation are increased.
Seedling cattleyas need
temperatures five to 10 degrees
higher than mature plants.
Water
Mature plants must dry out
between waterings. Seedlings
need more constant moisture.
Humidity
Cattleyas need 50 to 60
percent. In the home, place on
trays over moistened pebbles.
In greenhouse, us a humidifier
if conditions are too dry.
Fertilizer
Must
be provided on a regular basis
because most potting media have
little.
Provide The
exact fertilizer you use will
depend on the mix in which your
plant is growing. A good
general rule is to use a
balanced (10-10-10, 12-12-12 or
similar ratio) fertilizer
"weakly, weekly." That is,
fertilize every week at one
quarter to one half of the
recommended dilution.
Potting
Should be done every two to
three years in spring before mix
loses consistency (breaks
down). Pot firmly in media that
have good aeration and ample
drainage, allowing enough room
for two years' growth.
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