Growing and Caring for Orchids

Cattleya orchids.com">orchids are commonly called “corsage orchids.com">orchids ” because the blooms are frequently used in corsages due to their exceptional beauty and fragrance. Cattleya orchids.com">orchids , commonly called “corsage orchids.com">orchids ”, are among the most beautiful and fulfilling of the orchid species to grow and care for. Their care and culture is easily learned by the beginner, and with simple growing conditions most of us can obtain outstanding results. Adding additional Cattleya orchids.com">orchids to your collection is easy, since their care and culture varies only slightly among most of the hybrids. Once you learn how to grow, bloom, and care for Cattleya orchids.com">orchids , then you can easily learn to grow any other genera of orchids.com">orchids .

William Cattley of Barnet, England, is credited with blooming the first Cattleya orchid in Europe in 1818, and Cattleya orchids.com">orchids are named after him. Legend has it that his first Cattleya orchid plants were actually used as packing material for other plants, and that he potted them up out of curiosity. One of the Cattleya orchids.com">orchids bloomed, and it started his life-long obsession with collecting and cataloging the Cattleya orchid species.

Cattleya orchids.com">orchids can be hard grown. Cattleya orchids.com">orchids (and other orchid species) that have been hard grown will have bigger, brighter, sturdier blooms and the inflorescence will be stronger and not require staking. Hard grown means that the orchid plant was not babied in any way. Temperatures were allowed to be above the maximum and below the minimum. The orchid plants are given outside conditions to toughen them up, and all of the orchid fertilizer they can handle. This makes them able to withstand extremes, and it shows up in the orchid blooms. Unlike the orchid plants you normally are offered, these Cattleya orchids.com">orchids have very sturdy leaves. Bright light to some sun must be given to the plants, but no direct sun in the middle of the day. This means an east or west window in the home, and 30% to 50% of full sun in a greenhouse . Leaves should be a medium green color.

Temperature ranges from 48 degrees in the winter to over 95 in the summer. The orchid plants are open to the environment and thus can tolerate the temperature range. More orchids.com">orchids are killed by over watering than from lack of water. Mature Cattleya orchids.com">orchids need to dry out thoroughly before being watered again. In winter I water once a week., in summer twice a week. In both May and September, use a bamboo skewer to check before watering. Pick an average pot, push a dry bamboo skewer into the middle, and let it set for 10 seconds. pull it out and touch your cheek with it. If the skewer is cool to the touch, wait a day before watering. 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.

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.

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 springtime.

Cattleyas are usually potted in medium-grade potting material, with 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 in the roots. They should be potted in a porous, free-draining medium. Keep out of cold, dry air while in bloom. Pack firmly; stake if necessary. Keep the plant humid, shaded, and dry at the roots for a while to promote new root growth. When the last flower drops, cut your flower spike all the way down the stem. Apply a pinch of cinnamon powder or melted candle to seal the wound. Continue caring for it and wait for a possible rebloom.