There are many types of orchids: Konkolor, Ascocenda, Phalaenopsis, Epidendrum, Nobilior, etc. Cattleya Orchid is among the most beautiful.
Cattleya species
There are many varieties of Cattleya orchids. Some of the most popular include the following.
Cattleya - not the most capricious of orchids
Cattleya Mossi
Cattleya Mossi Orchid (Variegat) is endemic to Venezuela. Its flowering occurs in the spring from February to May, depending on the specific place of growth.
Most often, the flower settles on the tops of trees and branches in forests at an altitude of 900 to 1,500 meters above sea level. Its peduncle can reach 30 cm in length and carries from 4 to 5 flowers with a diameter of 10 to 15 cm.
The petals of the Cattleya Mossi orchid can have colors: white, lilac, pink and purple, the lip is most often pink, lilac, burgundy, often with a bright yellow center. Flowers last an average of 2 to 4 weeks. The dormant period of the orchid lasts from November to the end of February.
Cattleya yellow
Cattleya yellow orchid is a fairly common type of flower. This variety of orchids is the national symbol of Colombia and Venezuela. The image of a flower (not always in yellow) is found on the arms of cities, as well as postage stamps.
Cattleya yellow
Yellow in orchids of this variety is not the most common. That is why most experts especially value Cattleya yellow.
Cattleya Walkeriana
Cattleya Valkerian is home to Brazil. It grows in forests on trees, on stones near streams, and even on mountain rocks. Valkeriana flower stalk includes 1 or 2 flowers.
The size of the flower is about 10 cm in diameter, both the petals and the sepals are pink-purple. This variety is characterized by irregular flowering. An orchid can bloom at any time. In this case, the flowers last about 6 weeks.
Cattleya Astilbe Arends
In nature, Cattleya Astilbe Arends can be found in East Asia and Southeast America. It is there, under the influence of monsoons, that a moisture-loving plant feels especially comfortable. The flowering time of Astilba Cattleya falls in July-August. The flowers have a deep purple-pink color. The height of the plant can reach 80 cm. Individual specimens grow to a meter.
Cattleya comes in many colors
There are other species of Cattleya orchids. For example, Cattleya sea breeze, Cattleya Schillerian, Cattleya Dovian, Cattleya Baudelaire and some other, no less interesting varieties.
Home Care
Recently, Cattleya flower is in fairly high demand. Its cultivation is practiced by many. In order for the plant to bloom and delight the eye, it is imperative to provide Cattleya proper care at home.
Lighting
For a flower such as Cattleya care involves the organization of special lighting. To achieve abundant flowering, you need bright and indirect light.
You can enjoy amazing orchid flowers only if the flower is provided with optimal conditions for growth
With an excess of light, the foliage of the orchid will acquire a yellowish tint. In the autumn-winter period, it is recommended to organize additional illumination using fluorescent lamps.
Soil and fertilizing
The soil in which the Cattleya orchid is planted must be special. It should be based on medium or small bark. Before planting the plant, the substrate should first be soaked (for about two days) so that the soil composition is sufficiently saturated with moisture. For breathability, moss sphagnum and finely chopped polystyrene are usually added to the substrate.
Important! If the plant is planned to be planted in a house or room with dry air, it will not be out of place to add a small amount of perlite to the soil - it will contribute to the retention of moisture inside the soil.
Since the plant does not like transplants, the soil composition must be carefully prepared. Otherwise, the adaptive period will be delayed, and the orchid may even become ill.
Cattleya flower periodically needs fertilizer. During the active vegetation, the plant should be fed every week. The composition of top dressing must include phosphorus and potassium.
Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be added to the water for irrigation of those flowers that begin to grow after rest.
Temperature and humidity
Since Cattleya is a genus of heat-loving plants, during flowering, the temperature in the room should not be lower than +22 degrees (optimally +25 degrees). High humidity is another important condition for caring for the plant at home.
Cattleya at home
Periodically, the flower should be sprayed with water, avoiding drops falling on the inflorescences. It is recommended to cover the stems with wet moss - it retains moisture well.
Other care points
When the orchid fades, it is tidied up in a cool place with low light. Especially caring for the plant during the rest is not required. At this time, they do not fertilize it, do not water it, and do not even irrigate it in order to avoid the formation of rot.
Flowering cattleya
Cattleya bloom is the moment for which this amazing orchid is grown. Many (even experienced) flower growers often encounter a situation where the Cattleya for some reason does not bloom, although by all indications it feels great.
Most often, the problem of the lack of flowering orchids is associated with improper care: the temperature regime, humidity parameters are not maintained, the plant often replants from place to place, etc. Sometimes the lack of flowers is associated with the age of the plant.
Note! As you know, only adult specimens can bloom. Accordingly, it is recommended to make sure that the acquired plant is not a grown seedling. An adult plant usually has four bulbs and traces of flowering.
Cattleya breeding
There is the only way to breed Cattleya at home - rhizome division.
The rhizome should be divided in such a way that on each future independent plant there remain 2-3 pseudobulbs with a sufficient number of live roots. The cut points after the manipulation should be carefully treated with powder from the wood corner. Alcohol-containing antiseptics are not recommended in the most urgent manner.
Landing and transplanting
Description of landing and transplantation procedures does not differ too significantly. A few hours before the event, the root lump is soaked and moistened with a fresh substrate. Next, the following steps are performed:
- The orchid is carefully removed from the container.
- Remove the old substrate.
- Straighten with tweezers or sticks of root.
- Rinse the roots under running water.<
Cattleya should be transplanted as carefully as possible
- If there are wounds, they are treated with coal.
- Drainage is placed in a prepared pot, pieces of bark (large) are placed on top of it.
- The seedling is placed in a pot.
- The rhizome is covered with a substrate, slightly tamping.
- If necessary, fix the plant.
- Abundantly water the seedling.
Cattleya is an amazingly beautiful orchid so that it blooms and delights the eye for as long as possible, it is strongly recommended that you make every effort to ensure that the flower has proper care.
