CATTLEYA CARE

The majority of this orchids group grows as epiphytes fringes of the forest or high in the canopy of trees, where they can receive strong but dappled light.

Temperature:
Cattleya needs of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit temperature difference between day and night. A day range from 75 to 85 degrees is optimal; Nights around 60 degrees.

Light:
Cattleya flower and grows best with strong, dappled sunlight.
At home, placing them in East, West or lightly shaded south of the exhibit can simulate that. The most common cause for failure to bloom is insufficient light. Growth and flower spikes should develop strong and straight in the right light. Foliage should be a medium olive green. If growth is weak and floppy, and the foliage is dark green, light is insufficient. Conversely, if the foliage is yellow on the side and hard enough, the plant receives too much light. Cattleya functioning properly under a wide range of conditions, in order to know your plant with a keen observation of the habits, and you will be able to tell if your plant is happy.

Humidity: The humidity ranged from 40% to 60% is generally recommended. At home, the plants can be placed on a gravel tray filled with water or saucer ensuring that the pot is not sitting directly in the water.

Water: In nature, these plants have exposed roots and enjoy a round of quick drying-wetting. This wet dry cycle must be duplicated by allowing plants to become nearly dry before watering. Most of the new producers tend to overwater. In case of doubt, not water. However, common sense is the watchword. Lift the pot. If it feels light, you probably need to water. Pseudobulbes should not be allowed to shrivel from lack of water.

Fertilizers: Feeding should be done on a regular schedule. Twice a month is appropriate at the request hot and humid. A high nitrogen fertilizer (30-10-10) can be applied during this period, if the plant is in fir bark media. A high phosphorous fertilizer (10-30-20) can be applied to promote flowers and good roots. During cool, dull conditions, fertilize less. Some growers apply to feed ¼ strength with every watering. This seems to work best for hot and humid. Some producers alternate for the high nitrogen and phosphorus high feed. In anycase, be careful not to eat too. Orchids are generally not heavy feeders. You can eat "weakly, weekly" or is "weekly low" ....