Cattleya (Cattleya) - perennial flowering fragrant tropical plant - epiphyte from the Orchid family. Heat-loving culture in nature can be found in Japan, China, the Philippines and Latin America. Distinctive features of this plant are a creeping rhizome, smooth leathery leaves of a rich green oval shape with a pleasant smell, flowers original in shape and color (about 15 cm in diameter), collected in carpal inflorescences. A terrarium can be a favorable place for growing this flower.
Cattleya has a long flowering period (from April to September) and a dormant period (from September to early spring). Flowers are often used by flower designers and bouquets, as they tend to retain a pleasant aroma and freshness for a long time. Indoor conditions grow Cattleya "Two-color", which blooms in the autumn-winter period. On small peduncles from one to four flowers bloom with shades of green, brown, orange.
Cattleya care at home
Location and lighting
The lighting should be bright, but not in direct sunlight. In the warm season, the Cattleya flower feels great on an open veranda or balcony. In the autumn and winter months, the lack of short daylight must be compensated for with fluorescent lamps.
Temperature
The indoor air temperature in winter should not exceed 15 degrees Celsius, and in summer - 20 degrees. Sharp jumps in temperature (from 5 to 10 degrees) for certain varieties of Cattleya are considered not dangerous, but even useful.
Watering
The frequency and amount of watering depends on the season and period of growth of the orchid. Frequent and abundant watering is necessary for the plant during the growing season, but during the dormant period, these volumes are significantly reduced.
Air humidity
A favorable level of air humidity for growing Cattleya is from 40% to 60%.
Transfer
Cattleya transplant is carried out every 2-3 years. It is recommended to use a transshipment method to avoid damage to the fragile root of the plant.
Reproduction of the cattleya orchid
Cattleya propagates by seeds, buds and bush division. The third method is most often used at home, and seed reproduction is mostly common in nature.
Diseases and pests
The main pest is the scale insect. After its appearance, yellow spots appear on the leaves of the Cattleya. At the first signs of a pest, it is enough to spray the leaves of the plant with tobacco infusion and a solution based on liquid laundry soap. More severe lesions must be treated with chemicals (for example, "Karbofos").
Cattleya is sick most often due to violations of the rules of care and conditions of detention. Under unfavorable temperature conditions, lack of lighting and high humidity, the leaves become covered with black spots and die off. Urgent action is to bring broken conditions back to normal.
