Cultivating orchids such as the cattleya is said to be one of the hardest jobs an orchid grower can get himself into. And this is with valid reasons. Unlike normal orchids, this type needs very specific conditions to be successfully cultivated. And if you have done this correctly you would have one of the most incredible kinds of orchids and at the same time one of the most costly.
Orchids, when categorized according to significance and beauty, cattleya orchids will most definitely top the list. That is why no matter how hard and complex growing cattleya orchids may be, many growers still set out on the journey and try their green thumbs on them.
Knowing the fundamentals of cultgivating orchids will not be sufficient with this type of orchid. They have certain requirements a grower must follow to ensure success. The fundamental light, water and fertilizer system do not apply to this type of orchid. In fact, because of their "needy" disposition they were at one time the orchids that expert 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 specific orchid, here are 3 well-kept tricks in cultivating them:
Grow Me Inside
If you wish to successfully cultivate orchids such as cattleyas, then you need to have some type of greenhouse. These orchids are very hard, if not really impossible, to grow outdoors. Yes, there are some places, such as some parts of Florida and other nearby states, that they can successfully grow, but even there they can be very tough and complex to handle. Cultivating them indoors on the other hand, has been found to be quite successful.
Inside structures, such as greenhouses and Wardian cases, the adequate humidity and warmth can be controlled and therefore attained. For these plants to grow properly 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 having this certain set of conditions will result in a wilted orchid or worse, a dead one.
More Sunlight But Not Too Much
Another difficult part of cultivating cattleya orchids is its light requirements. Compared to your normal orchid, they need more light but too much can kill it. The tropical sunlight may be the ideal kind of light for growing these orchids, but in any other places, this type of orchid cannot take the kind 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 expose them to direct sunlight or they'll burn. If you are finding this hard to do manually you can try to put them under the shade of a bigger 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 most ideal choice for a compost 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 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 the right amount fiber from this compost will ensure that the roots of your cattleyas will be flourishing.
Do not forget when cultivating orchids like cattleyas, be sure to follow these simple well-kept secrets to ensure your success. Cattleyas are one of the most incredible kind of orchids to cultivate. The are not too difficult, just as long as you follow their certain needs for proper cultivation. These 3 expert tricks should get you headed in the right direction.
