The inexpressive Of Successfully Growing Cattleyas
Growing orchids such as the cattleya is said to be one of the most difficult tasks an orchid grower can get himself into. And this is with valid reasons. Unlike lowly orchids, this species requires very definite conditions to be successfully cultivated. And if you have done this properly you would have one of the most beautiful species of orchids and at the same time one of the most expensive.
Orchids, when categorized agreeing to significance and beauty, cattleyas will as a matter of fact top the list. That is why no matter how difficult and intricate growing cattleya orchids may be, many growers still embark on the journey and try their green thumbs on them.
Knowing the fundamentals of growing orchids will not suffice with this species of orchid. They have certain requirements a grower must follow to ensure success. The basic sunlight, water and fertilizer rules do not apply to this type of orchid. In fact, because of their “needy” routine they were once the orchids that specialist growers dubbed as the “untouchables” for beginners. It is said that to grow a cattleya you must know it personally first.
To help you with your journey of intimately knowing this species of orchid, here are 3 little-known tips in growing them:
Grow Me Inside
If you wish to successfully grow orchids such as cattleyas, then you have got to have some kind of greenhouse. These orchids are virtually impossible, if not very difficult, to grow outdoors. Yes, there are certain places, such as some parts of Florida and other nearby states, that they can successfully thrive in, but even there they can be very difficult and complex to handle. Growing them indoors on the other hand, has been found to be quite successful.
Inside structures, such as greenhouses and Wardian cases, the definite humidity and warmth can be controlled and therefore achieved. For these plants to flourish properly there must be as much as 60% to 70% humidity surrounding them during the day and a climatic characteristic not lower than 55°F to 60°F. Not following this certain set of conditions will follow to a wilted plant or worse, a dead one.
More Sunlight But Not Too Much
Another tricky part of growing cattleya orchids is its light requirements. Compared to your general orchid, they require more light but too much can kill it. The tropical sunlight may be the exquisite kind of light for growing these orchids, but here on our side of the world, this species of orchid cannot take the potential of summer sunlight. If you wish to be victorious in growing cattleyas, then you need to follow this uncomplicated rule when giving them sunlight. It’s a lot of work, but it is very effective.
Place them in direct sunlight during summer only in the mornings and late afternoons. From 11:00Am to 3:00Pm in the afternoon, do Not expose them to direct sunlight or they’ll burn. If you are seeing this difficult to do manually you can try to place them under the shade of a larger tree or plant. This will contribute the same security as appealing them manually at certain time periods.
Osmunda – The exquisite Match
When growing orchids that are ephiphytes (like the cattleya), the best option for a potting medium is osmunda. This potting medium has a lot of fiber, moisture, and is a good source of humidity for an orchid. Like any other orchid, one sure way to kill it is to over water it. A good way to know if you are over watering is your potting medium will start to grow ferns and moss.
When potting, be sure to align the grains of the osmunda parallel to the axis of the pot. This will aid in the permissible drainage of water. Never ever use too much osmunda; just enough fiber from this medium will ensure that the roots of your cattleyas will be thriving.
Remember when growing orchids like cattleyas, be sure to follow these uncomplicated little-known tips to ensure your success. Cattleyas are one of the most astonishing and easy enough to grow species of orchids, just as long as you follow their definite requirements for permissible cultivation.