Cattleya is a luxurious plant of the orchid family that grows in the tropics of South and Central America. These orchids are also grown as greenhouse and indoor crops. In nature, the plant lives on thick branches and trunks of trees, on rocky surfaces, with proper care, it will take root at home.
The genus Cattleya consists of 44 species; in flower shops hybrids are sold that are less whimsical to growing conditions and feel great at home. But in order for the Cattleya to give new shoots and bloom magnificently, its owner must remember some of the rules of care.
This orchid loves light and warm places, so it is better to choose a south or southeast window. But in the summer, the Cattleya is protected from sunlight so that there are no burns on the leaves, the best option is diffused light. Although there are varieties that feel great on northern windows and do not need additional lighting.
To determine if an orchid has enough light, you need to look at its leaves. If they are dark, backlighting is necessary, and if they are yellowish, the plant needs protection from sunlight.
Comfortable temperature for Cattleya is from 16 to 25 ° C. It can withstand a regime up to 30 ° C, but this sometimes leads to a growth arrest and the development of diseases. By the end of summer and autumn, due to the difference between day and night temperatures, flower stalks begin to form in the covers.
Almost all Cattleya hybrids are not demanding on the level of humidity in the room, but you still need to put a pallet with water nearby. The plant will quickly respond to such care and will release many aerial roots.
The plant is watered as the top layer of the substrate dries. The pot is immersed in water so that the roots are well saturated with water. During watering, you need to ensure that water does not fall on the peduncle, in the buds and cover.
Fertilize the plant only during the period of active growth and flowering after 2 waterings, alternating mineral and organic fertilizers. Substances are applied only to wetted soil.
For Cattleya, use a ready-made substrate for orchids. You can also prepare it yourself from the bark of coarse and fine fractions, chopped sphagnum moss, foam, expanded clay and charcoal. For planting Cattleya, blocks and flowerpots are chosen, the plant is transplanted as soon as the substrate has turned into dust.
Cattleya is a rather demanding plant to care for, so it is still better to grow it by experienced flower growers. He needs additional artificial lighting, especially during flowering and in winter.
