mardi 5 décembre 2017

Growth Requirements For Cattleya Orchids

By Rebecca Allen


Cattleya are one the categories of a widespread variety of flowering plants which give out colorful blooms. Cattleya Orchids have different colored flowers due to the many species present. This genus obtained its name from an amateur, Mr. William Cattley, who was a horticulturist. In the past, they were used in occasions by women as decoration on their hair. Theses flowers are still attractive and have great fragrance. The requirements for proper tending are as follow.

Like any other plant, light affects their development. Too much exposure is harmful. The question comes about, just how much light is sufficient. This can be identified by the pigmentation of leaves. Dark green foliage indicates too much while yellow-green show the optimum. If no florets are produced, is a sign of excess exposure. Shade is needed for about seventy percent coverage. This provides a good shelter.

The genus is referred to as epiphytes. Water is crucial for their initial stages. They advance from a horizontal stem like structure known as the rhizome. It develops adventitious roots while being immerged in water. A storage organ called the pseudobulb thrives upwards. It is responsible for flowering. Water supply should be stopped when this starts. Afterwards it is added only when the surface is dry and then maintained at regular intervals.

They make good house plants due their minimum water and soil requirement. They are therefore grown in many media. Clay pots can be used or any other desired by the grower.

The water requirement and soil is very minimal and thus are suitable plant house. They can be grown in different media. For instance, stressed clay pots are ideal. To begin potting, the roots should be already grown. The media has to be of ample size to allow florets to grow at least twice according to the species. Repotting is necessary after this. The moss that may be covering the roots has to be removed and a new holding vessel selected. The vessel is entirely the choice of the grower.

Nutrients are necessary. Little amounts are advised. When the nitrogenous nutrients are more, they must be removed by adding water. They also result to a vegetation like product and no florets and much worse, death of that plant. Monitoring throughout the evolving stage is necessary to administer the correct amounts.

Other aspects to consider are temperature, humidity and air movement. The genus originates from regions experiencing high temperatures but in the same place, they grow in higher attitudes which are cooler. Growing then at home, the temperature condition must be maintained. High temperatures damages young tips and exposure for a long time causes damage. Humidity and air movements must be controlled and maintained at optimum for best results.

They are the easier ones to grow of the floral family. Their hybrids exist and are capable of blooming twice per year. The normal species produce only once. They have different attractive colors and fragrance too although it should be noted that not all of them produce the sweet scents. The end product depends on the proper nurturing by the grower.




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