Thursday, December 7, 2017

Growth Requirements For Cattleya Orchids

By Rebecca Allen


Cattleya are one the categories of a widespread variety of flowering plants which give out colorful blooms. Cattleya Orchids have different colored flowers due to the many species present. This genus obtained its name from an amateur, Mr. William Cattley, who was a horticulturist. In the past, they were used in occasions by women as decoration on their hair. Theses flowers are still attractive and have great fragrance. The requirements for proper tending are as follow.

Light is a factor that cannot be ignored when it comes to taking care of them. They are very sensitive to exposure. The right amount is necessary. It can be identified when these plants receive good amount or inadequate by examining the foliage color. The foliage will be rich green when describing the former where they do not flower while yellow- green describes the later. Shade should be provided for about seventy percent surrounding them.

They are referred to as epiphytes. These makes water a large requirement factor. They have a continuous horizontal stem called the rhizome. This structure requires a lot of water to generate roots. The roots are adventitious in nature.

They make good house plants due their minimum water and soil requirement. They are therefore grown in many media. Clay pots can be used or any other desired by the grower.

The vessel should be large enough to allow at least two full productions and not oversize. After such a scenario, reporting is necessary. Roots should get cleaned from any moss. The vessels could be made of clay or any other suitable material. Ideally, it is a decision of the grower.

They require nutrients to grow. A fertilizer with low nitrogen content is chosen. High contents of nitrogen may cause decomposition and a vegetative kind of product. They also require flushing with water and since the media is limited death of the product occur. It is however necessary to keep minimal levels that will allow regular addition as it progresses.

Other aspects to consider are temperature, humidity and air movement. The genus originates from regions experiencing high temperatures but in the same place, they grow in higher attitudes which are cooler. Growing then at home, the temperature condition must be maintained. High temperatures damages young tips and exposure for a long time causes damage. Humidity and air movements must be controlled and maintained at optimum for best results.

The species bloom differently. During a particular growing season, every pseudobulb occurring blossoms. These variety is the easiest to grow. As a result, there exists hybrids that are capable of flowering twice per year as compares to the species which produce only once. The grower should be able to handle them with all care so as to get reward for their effort and investment. It should also be noted that not all of them have smell.




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