How to grow and care for Cattleya orchid

Cattleya orchid, a horticultural hybrid, is one of the most famous orchids in the world. People planning to raise Cattleya Orchid should first learn about the growth requirements of Cattleya Orchid, such as the requirements on lighting, watering, environment and fertilization. The following are how to grow and care for Cattleya Orchid.

1. Environment care for growing Cattleya orchid

Cattleya orchid prefers warmth and humidity, and the lowest temperature it can withstand is 13 to 16 degrees Celsius. When we grow and care for Cattleya Orchid in summer, plant pots should be placed on wet pebbles to increase humidity. The flowering period is shortened when the humidity is below 50%, so spray water all over the flower when it is dry indoors.

2. Lighting care for growing Cattleya orchid

Light is the most important factor for the health and flowering of Cattleya Orchid plants, with delayed flowering or low flowering rate due to lack of light. Therefore, when we grow and care for Cattleya Orchid, sufficient light must be provided. In general, in addition to the strong light at noon in summer and proper shade, the light can be provided throughout the day at other times.

The leaves of Cattleya orchid should be medium green and the pseudobulbs should be erect if the light is good.

3. Watering care for growing Cattleya orchid

Cattleya orchid requires a lot of watering during its growth period, waiting until the potted soil is almost dry. When we grow and care for Cattleya orchid, water less during the six weeks of dormancy after flowering, as long as the pseudobulbs do not crumple. In addition, you need to stop watering when the cold snap hits.

4. Fertilization care for growing Cattleya orchid

Cattleya orchid plants thrive during the growing season (spring and summer) and are usually fertilized every two weeks. If you are not in that period, apply fertilizer once a month. When we grow and care for Cattleya orchid, stop fertilizing when it starts to blossom and bud.

If it is potted, apply a balanced proportion of compound fertilizer; If the snake board is used for hanging cultivation, use a high nitrogen ratio of compound fertilizer.

5. Repotting care for growing Cattleya orchid

When we grow and care for Cattleya Orchid, it is best for transplanting in spring when the new shoots reach 2-5cm or when the green roots are sticking out of the pot.

6. Cattleya orchid pest control

When we grow and care for Cattleya Orchid, attention should be paid to strengthening the management and prevention of plant diseases and insect pests. In terms of disease prevention and control, the main prevention and control of black rot, gray mold, anthrax and bacterial soft rot; In terms of pest control, it mainly controls scale insects, thrips, slugs, nematodes, red spiders and whitefly.