Orchids, found on the windowsills of apartments and offices, in the wild grow mainly on trees, sometimes on stones and rocks. This is the so-called epiphyte, not related to parasites, but not requiring soil as such. One of the brightest representatives of the species is Cattleya. Home care for the plant is not very different from breeding the more familiar phalaenopsis, but there are still certain nuances.
Appearance of the plant
In the wild, cattleya is found mainly in the tropics of Central and South America. The size of an orchid largely depends on its variety and growing conditions. There are both not very large specimens (about 30 cm) and real giants (up to 1.2 meters, and sometimes more).
There are about 65 species of Cattleya in total, most of which are obtained by natural crossing. As a rule, this orchid has not very large, but rather stiff leaves. Their length can vary from 10 to 20 cm.
During the period of activity, the plant attracts attention with rather large (up to 15 cm in diameter), very bright waxy flowers. Their number can be different, as well as coloring. Often the flowers have a sweet, but rather pleasant vanilla aroma. Growing in the tropics, this orchid, as a rule, dies already at 2-3 years of age. At home, Cattleya, which is cared for according to the recommendations of specialists, may well live 6-7 years. All this time, she will periodically delight those around her with her bright flowers.
Lighting and watering
The ideal place for growing this orchid is a terrarium. But a transparent pot, installed on a windowsill facing south or west, is also quite suitable. Lighting should be intense enough, then the plant will feel quite comfortable. In this case, direct sunlight is best avoided.
At night, the flower is best left in the dark, thus giving the plant a clear sense of the changing time of day. As for watering Cattleya, its regimen and intensity depend on the time of year. At a sufficiently high temperature (more than 20 degrees), humidity is needed about 80%. With cooler air, 50% is sufficient. To ensure such conditions, the flower must be sprayed periodically. The procedure is recommended to be done every other day in spring and summer, once a week in winter and autumn.
Water must certainly be lime-free. This needs to be monitored very carefullybecause it is for this reason that Cattleya often gets sick and even dies. Care at home should mimic the natural habitat as much as possible. Water the orchid in the summer often (2-3 times a week) with water at room temperature, in which there should also be no lime. In winter, this is done twice as often. It is necessary to ensure that during the dormant period the substrate has time to dry properly between waterings.
Choice of pot and soil
Like all epiphytes, Cattleya loves light. At the same time, it should fall not only on the leaves of the plant, but also on its roots, in which the process of photosynthesis also takes place. For this reason, the pot is certainly chosen transparent. As for the soil, a classic epiphytic substrate containing bark, polyurethane moss and polystyrene beads will do.
At the same time, additional feeding is required during the period of activity. If the substrate contains fern bark, this can be done monthly, if it is absent in the composition, twice as often. With sufficient lighting and watering, as well as proper hydration and timely feeding, even on an ordinary windowsill, a chic cattleya can grow. Photos (plant care was carried out by professional florists) of such specimens are presented above.
Transfer
In order for the plant to fully develop, it is recommended to periodically change the substrate. To do this, once every 2 years (preferably in the spring) a transplant is performed. The pot can be left old, but the mixture must be fresh. First, the plant is removed from the container. Then released fromremains of the bark and other elements of the substrate. This should be done carefully so as not to damage the roots. The orchid is placed in a pot, falling asleep with a new mixture (it is not necessary to water it). Cattleya transplant along with timely top dressing contributes to its development and abundant flowering in the summer.
Unlike most other plants, when placed in a pot, it needs to be slightly off-center to leave room for the frontal pseudobulb (false bulb characteristic of this species) to develop. With an impressive size of an orchid, it is recommended to prop it up to ensure a vertical position. Watering according to the standard schedule should be started no earlier than the 10th day from the moment of replacing the substrate.
Reproduction
In the natural environment, orchids are often propagated by seeds. This method is sometimes used in laboratories or greenhouses. At home, only a method of dividing an adult plant is possible. Cattleya, whose propagation will not damage the flower and will bring a positive result, should contain several pseudobulbs (minimum 3-4). It is necessary to divide them before flowering. This should be done carefully, with minimal damage to the root system. The rhizome (tuber) of the plant is divided with a sharp knife, having treated the cut with coal. Then each of the pseudobulbs can be planted separately. Sometimes they act less radically, dividing the plant into 2-3 parts.
What to do if the cattleya does not bloom
Unfortunately, flower growers often face this problem. To fix the situationit is necessary to understand the reason why the orchid (cattleya) does not bloom. Care during the period of plant activity (for most species this is the end of spring - the beginning of summer) is especially thorough. First of all, you need to make sure that there is no lime in the water for irrigation and spraying (rainwater can be used).
To increase the likelihood of flowers appearing, it is necessary to provide a temperature difference between night and day at least 3-4 degrees. You should also make sure that the plant is in complete darkness for at least a few hours a day (there are species in which flowers form only in the absence of light).
Diseases and parasites
It is not uncommon for cattleyas to suddenly start to darken and fall off the leaves. There may be several reasons for this. First of all, these are parasites that often attack exotic plants. Among the most characteristic of Cattleya are scale insects, aphids, mites and mealybugs. And the most effective way to deal with them is prevention. Cattleya, which is cared for at home in accordance with all the rules, must be systematically treated with special solutions that prevent their appearance. When choosing chemicals, you should always make sure that the drug is suitable for this type of orchid.
If the parasites have already appeared, the leaves are sprayed with a solution of karbofos, "Rogor" or tobacco tincture. Soapy water treatment is allowed. However, before using chemicals, you should make sure that the plant has enough light and noexcess moisture. Dark spots on the leaves sometimes occur due to improper flower care.
Types of Cattleya
In the wild, there are more than 60 of them, but at home they grow successfully and not all bloom. Among the most common is the Cattleya hybrid. More precisely, this is a whole range of orchids obtained by crossing both in the wild and in the laboratory. Basically, these are quite large plants with bright flowers of various shades. They are distinguished by a darker, sometimes mottled lip.
Another, equally common, but smaller Bowringa Cattleya is characterized by autumn flowering (usually it comes in mid-September). This orchid is pink-purple in color, its stem height does not exceed 35 cm. Very similar to it, but slightly lighter in tone, is Skinner's Cattleya. Its difference, in addition to shade, is spring flowering.
Fundamentally different in both size and shape of Cattleya Forbers. It is noticeably larger, with less velvety yellow flowers with brown patches and veins. It has a bright vanilla scent that spreads throughout the room.
In flower shops, you can sometimes find other, more exotic species. But in any case, Cattleya, which is properly cared for and the living conditions are as close to natural as possible, will please the owner with beautiful bright flowers.
For those who, for a number of reasons, cannot provide this plant with enough heat and light, another one will do - annual, flowerswhich in many ways resemble this type of orchid. This is Godetia.
Terry Cattleya
This is a kind of cold hardy horticultural annual. It is suitable for growing on balconies and flower beds. Blooms usually in late summer. Despite some external similarity and name, it is not directly related to Cattleyas. Godetia is less whimsical, does not require such careful care and feels quite comfortable on an ordinary personal plot. This is not to say that the flower can replace the tropical Cattleya, but for those whose orchids categorically refuse to bloom, it can be a great alternative.
One of the representatives of tropical epiphytes, found on sale for growing in flower pots, is Cattleya. Home care for this plant is quite troublesome and requires certain knowledge. But its beautiful flowers, often scented sweetly with vanilla, are no doubt worth the effort.
