The Cattleya orchid has been frequently used for decades in corsages and other arrangements on Mardi Gras floats. They have been rated as one of the most beautiful flowers in the world.
This orchid has been so popular for several years as a house plant that there are now several sections of nurseries devoted to them. TheMovement amendo Cattleyas insignia has babies, these are called 'Cattleyas babies'. There are many fascinating facts about these kinds of orchids. It has been recorded in history that the Cattleyas have been used as a scent for cosmetics and perfumes. The perfume used was much scented with a mature coconut aroma. The strong smell had to be diluted with water, which was a very common procedure.
So, the last time you sn unexplorated this orchid, think twice before you sn Priority DOWN. There are exploration fans that would find it a pleasure just to touch a single cattleya corsage. The plants have been prized for generations. It is very unlikely that you will find this plant in many stores. In the past 6 years, the orchid has been increasing in popularity.
Terrestrial orchids are the most usual hybrids. Of the over 20,000 species of orchids, only about a dozen are terrestrials. The other orchid species grow 100% in the ground.
There are other species of orchids too, but they are rarely seen in their natural wild habitat. Most don't have pseudobulbs or rhizome for root growth; they get their nutrients from the plant's aerial roots. Their growth habit is stocky and spindly stems.
lacking the pseudobulbs and rhizome (root) system, they can't receive nutrients from the water they absorb. The plants' growth habits depend on the types of conditions they find in their habitat. If there is no shade, living in an area saturated with sunlight, the plants have to grow out in the open. In an open area, the Cattleya orchid will grow very fast with out sun and high temperatures.
On the other hand, growing plants in an open area with lots of shade is when they store all their energy, albeit in a type of liquid form. Plants from these conditions will produce many roots, multiple stems and produce a tight compact shape.
In nature, naturally occurring orchids will always be in one of these two growing conditions. Growing orchids is not an exact science,Nine times out of ten, partial conditionsbert under natural conditions will result.
If you are going to grow Cattleyas orchids, be aware that the plant does not really have to be watered every day. Watering is measured in one of several ways: wilted, damp, not moist, saturated or almost damp.
As a general rule of thumb the plant only needs to be watered once a week. With the most common humidity levels in the home, 80-90%. If the humidity is below 10% you will get the foam or root rot problems. The more humidity the better, as long as the plant does not become supersaturated.
This means that the orchid requires about twice as much water as many people would like to assume. The amount of the plant should be estimated at 1-2 inches of water per week. Don't think that (this orchid) requires orchid soil, this is not true.
Avoid watering your orchid during the very warm, very hot or very cold weather. When the temperature is going over 85 degrees, the amount of water needed is far less than you would have with your orchids in your house.
An example of a prolonged, super saturated condition is when you have an orchid planted in a pot in your apartment. Even though the pot may have a good drainage system and enough drainage, because the orchid is in a pot, the water can easily collect in the pot and then the roots rot.
The misting often done by most orchid growers can be over watering, orchids in a pot need water two to three times per week. Another way to over water is by watering the plant less often for shorter periods of time.
The roots of your plant will absorb the air which the plant is thirsty for. The moisture in the pot consists of 2 parts water plus 1 part air. The average 1600 folders of water per day is instead of the single inch of water it usually takes to be satisfied. If you leave your homemade pot holders half an inch or less of water in them the orchid will take the water the right amount of time, and not ruin it. If your plant feels heavy, it can mean that the pot is really full, which is not good.