Orchids found on the windowsills of apartments and offices in the wild grow mainly on trees, sometimes on stones and rocks. These are the so-called epiphytes, which are not related to parasites, but do not need soil as such. One of the brightest representatives of the species is cattleya. Care at home for the plant is not very different from breeding the more familiar phalaenopsis, but still there are certain nuances.
The appearance of the plant
In the wild, Cattleya is found primarily in the tropics of Central and South America. The size of an orchid largely depends on its variety and growing conditions. There are not very large specimens (about 30 cm), and real giants (up to 1.2 meters, and sometimes more).
In total, there are about 65 species of Cattleya, most of which are obtained by natural crossing. As a rule, this orchid has not very large, but rather hard leaves. Their length can vary from 10 to 20 cm.
During the period of activity, the plant attracts attention with large enough (up to 15 cm in diameter), very bright wax flowers. Their number may be different, as well as color. Often the flowers have a sweet, but rather pleasant vanilla aroma. Growing in the tropics, this orchid, as a rule, dies already in 2-3 years of life. At home, Cattleya, the care of which is carried out according to the recommendations of specialists, may well live 6-7 years. All this time, she will periodically delight others with her bright flowers.
Lighting and watering
The terrarium is considered the ideal place to grow this orchid. But a transparent pot mounted on a windowsill overlooking the south or west is quite suitable. Lighting should be quite intense, then the plant will feel quite comfortable. In this case, direct sunlight should be avoided.
At night, the flower is best left in the dark, giving the plant a clear feeling of a change in the time of day. As for watering Cattleya, its regime 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 enough. 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 limeless. This should be carefully monitored, because it is for this reason that Cattleya is often sick and even dies. Home care should mimic the natural habitat as much as possible. Orchid is often watered in the summer (2-3 times a week) with water at room temperature, in which there should also be no lime. In winter, this is done twice less. It is necessary to ensure that during the dormant period the substrate has time to properly dry between waterings.
Pot and soil selection
Like all epiphytes, Cattleya loves light. Moreover, 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 definitely chosen transparent. As for the soil, a classic epiphytic substrate is suitable, containing bark, polyurethane moss and polystyrene balls.
Moreover, during the period of activity additional feeding is required. If the substrate contains fern bark, this can be done on a monthly basis, in case of its absence in the composition - twice as often. With sufficient lighting and watering, as well as proper hydration and timely top dressing, even on a regular windowsill, a gorgeous cattleya can grow. Photos (plant care was carried out by professional florists) of such instances are presented above.
Transfer
In order for the plant to fully develop, it is recommended to periodically change the substrate. For this, every 2 years (preferably in the spring) a transplant is performed. You can leave the pot old, but the mixture should be fresh. First, the plant is removed from the tank. Then release from the remnants 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 (you do not need to water it). Cattleya transplantation 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 shifted from the center to leave room for the development of the front pseudobulb (the false bulb characteristic of this species). With the impressive size of the orchid, it is recommended to support it to ensure an upright position. Watering according to the standard schedule should begin no earlier than the 10th day after the substitution of the substrate.
Breeding
In the natural environment, orchids are often propagated by seeds. This method is sometimes used in laboratories or greenhouses. At home, only a way of dividing an adult plant is possible. Cattleya, the reproduction of which will not harm the flower and bring a positive result, should contain several pseudobulbs (at least 3-4). It is necessary to divide them before flowering. This should be done carefully, with minimal damage to the root system. Rhizome (tuber) plants are separated with a sharp knife, treating 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 Cattleya does not bloom
Unfortunately, flower growers often encounter such a problem. To correct the situation, it 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 careful. First of all, you need to make sure that there is no lime in the water for irrigation and spraying (you can use rainwater).
To increase the likelihood of the appearance of flowers, it is necessary to ensure a temperature difference in the night and day period of at least 3-4 degrees. It should also be ensured that the plant remains in complete darkness at least several hours a day (there are species in which flowers form only in the absence of light).
Diseases and parasites
It is not uncommon for cattleya to suddenly begin to darken and fall over leaves. There may be several reasons for this. First of all, these are parasites that quite often attack exotic plants. Among the most characteristic for cattleya are scale insects , aphids, ticks, and mealybugs. And the most effective way to deal with them is prevention. Cattleya, home care of which is carried out according to all the rules, should be systematically treated with special solutions to prevent their appearance. When choosing chemicals, you should make sure that the drug is suitable for this type of orchid.
If parasites have already appeared, the leaves are sprayed with a solution of karbofos, means "Rogor" or tincture of tobacco. Processing with soapy water is allowed. However, before using chemicals, you should make sure that the plant has enough light and that there is no excess moisture. Dark spots on the leaves sometimes occur due to improper care of the flower.
Types of Cattleya
In the wild, there are more than 60 of them, but not all are successful at home and flower stalks. Among the most common - Cattleya hybrid. More precisely, this is a number of orchids obtained by crossbreeding both in the wild and in the laboratory. Basically, these are rather large plants with bright colors of various shades. They differ in a darker, sometimes spotted lip.
Another, equally common, but smaller Cattleya Bowring is distinguished by autumn bloom (usually it occurs in mid-September). This orchid is pink-purple in color, the height of its stem does not exceed 35 cm. Very similar to it, but slightly lighter in tone - the Cattleya Skinner. Its difference, in addition to shade, is spring flowering.
Fundamentally different both in size and in the shape of Forbers cattleya. It is noticeably larger, with less velvety yellow flowers with brown spots and veins. It is characterized by a bright vanilla aroma that spreads throughout the room.
In flower shops, you can sometimes find other, more exotic species. But in any case, Cattleya, the care of which is carried out correctly, and living conditions are as close as possible to natural, will delight the owner with beautiful bright flowers.
For those who, for a number of reasons, cannot provide this plant with enough heat and light, another is suitable - annual, the flowers of which in many respects resemble this type of orchid. This is godetia.
Terry Cattleya
This is a type of cold-resistant garden annual plant. It is suitable for growing on balconies and flower beds. It usually blooms in late summer. Despite some external resemblance and name, it has no direct relation to Cattleya. Godetsia is less whimsical, does not require such careful care and feels quite comfortable on a regular personal plot. This is not to say that the flower is able to 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 of this plant is quite troublesome and requires some knowledge. But its beautiful flowers, often with a sweet vanilla aroma, are no doubt worth all the effort.