Cattleya Orchids - 3 Expert Tricks When Growing Cattleyas

Cattleya Orchids - 3 Expert Tricks When Growing Cattleyas

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Growing orchids such as the cattleya is known to be one of the most difficult jobs an orchid grower can get himself into. And this is with valid reasons. Unlike regular orchids, this kind requires very precise settings to be successfully cultivated. And if you have done this correctly you would have one of the most beautiful kinds of orchids and at the same time one of the most costly.

Orchids, when grouped according to significance and good looks, cattleya orchids will surely top the list. That is why no matter how tough and intricate cultivating cattleya orchids may be, many growers still set out on the journey and try their green thumbs on them.

Knowing the fundamentals of growing orchids will not suffice with this kind of orchid. They have specific requirements a grower must follow to ensure success. The basic light, water and plant food system do not pertain to this genus of orchid. In fact, because of their "temperamental" disposition they were once the orchids that expert growers dubbed as the "untouchables" for beginners. It is said that to cultivate a cattleya you must know it personally first.

To aid you with your journey of intimately knowing this particular orchid, here are 3 little-known tips in cultivating them:

Shelter Me

If you wish to successfully grow orchids such as cattleyas, then you need to have some type of greenhouse. These orchids are very tough, if not virtually impossible, to cultivate outdoors. Yes, there are some areas, such as some locations in Florida and other nearby states, that they can successfully flourish, but even there they can be very hard and complex to handle. Cultivating them indoors on the other hand, has been found to be fairly successful.

Inside structures, such as greenhouses and Wardian cases, the adequate moistuire and warmth can be controlled and therefore achieved. For these orchids to thrive correctly there must be as much as 60% to 70% humidity during the day and a temperature no lower than 55°F to 60°F. Not creating this certain set of conditions will result in a wilted plant or worse, a dead one.

More Sunlight But Not Too Much

Another tricky part of cultivating cattleya orchids is its light needs. Compared to your normal orchid, they need more light but too much can destroy it. The tropical sunlight may be the ideal type of light for growing these orchids, but in any other places, this kind of orchid cannot take the type of summer sunlight. If you want to be successful in growing cattleyas, then you need to follow this easy rule when giving them sunlight. It's a lot of work, but it is very effective.

Put them in direct sunlight during summer only in the mornings and late afternoons. From 11:00AM to 3:00PM, do NOT place them in direct sunlight or they'll burn. If you are finding this hard to do manually you can try to place them under the shade of a larger tree or plant. This will give the same protection as moving them manually at specific time periods.

Osmunda - The Perfect Match

When growing orchids that are ephiphytes (like the cattleya orchids), the best choice for a potting medium is osmunda. This compost contains a lot of fiber, moisture, and is a good source of humidity for an orchid. Like any other orchid, one sure way to destroy it is to over-water it. A good way to know if you are over-watering is your compost 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 proper drainage of water. Do not use too much osmunda; just enough fiber from this compost will ensure that the roots of your cattleyas will be thriving.

Keep in mind when cultivating orchids like cattleyas, be sure to follow these easy well-kept tips to ensure your success. Cattleyas are one of the most incredible genus of orchids to cultivate. The are not too difficult, just as long as you follow their specific needs for proper cultivation. These 3 expert tricks should get you headed in the right direction.

About the Author:
And to discover even more orchid care resources, download my totally FREE "5 Biggest Orchid Care Mistakes" report by visiting: Cattleya Orchids.

Mary Ann Berdak is the publisher of www.OrchidCareZone.com - a top online destination for orchid care tips and advice.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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