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, use 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 drain-age,
allowing enough room for two years' growth.
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