Growing cattleya orchids is an excellent idea for the enthusiast who is not into the more traditional ways of landscaping with flowers. Cattleya has some pretty characteristics, mainly being a member of the orchid family, and also being able to grow in many types of soil types. This is good news for those who have a bit of a green thumb and are looking to grow their own flowers using less maintenance. They will need a well-drained and rich soil with plenty of sun, although it should be noted that you should never grow cattleya orchid in extremely shallow soils. They also prefer full sunlight and are fairly hardy plant even in poor soil conditions.
When growing cattleya orchid flowers you can mimic these ideal tropical rain forest conditions by growing them as indoor plantings. The flower stems grow between two to eight small flowers, depending upon the particular variety of cattle, and there are a wide variety of colors to choose from, so you are sure to do well with your choice of colors. The main difference is that the leaves of these species drop off, making them appear smaller than they really are. The leaves also come with colorful petals that come into a very rounded shape, giving the plant a very appealing appearance.
Cattleya hybrids are an exciting new range of beautiful orchid varieties that have been developed specifically as an alternative to the traditional Cattleya. In recent years, a number of hybrid orchid varieties have been created from Cattleya varieties that had been crossed to create new characteristics. Some of these include producing larger blooms, having a stunningly beautiful bloom and the production of flowers that smell like citrus fruits.
There are quite a few different types of phalaenopsis orchids. These include the epiphytes, which are extremely easy to care for; however, they produce very little blooms. The other main sub-class is the phalaenopsis orchid group that includes three sub-types, namely: phalaenopsis leucotomos, phalaenopsis macroderma and phalaenopsis orchidism. Leucotomos orchids are extremely hardy plants that only require moderate care and are generally perfect for beginners because they are very forgiving. They grow well in low light, and they also form a stunning flower in the full bloom stage. Phalaenopsis orchids should ideally be planted in dense plantings because their roots make use of the large roots of larger plants to spread out when planting them.
An intermediate school of thought is that of the Pterocarpus santalinus. This species of orchid grows well in humid conditions, and it has been suggested that it may be able to grow in any variety of conditions, provided that it receives adequate watering every week during the growing season. A third possibility is the Cattleya fimbriata. This orchid needs full sun, as well as, adequate watering and fertilization from four to six weekly waterings. It can survive with minimal pruning.
There are a number of species of the orchid family that have beautiful flowers, but they cannot grow in the shade. This includes the Cattleya salicifolia, orchid, which cannot endure the presence of shade. However, there are some hybrids that have been developed by cross-breeding with Asian orchids, and they will tolerate shade. They will still flourish in full sun, but they do greatly benefit if given partial shade during the crucial growing season.
Some of the hybrids that have been crossed with other species have been shown to do very well in the greenhouse, even under partial shade. The ones that do well in this condition are the Brachystegia galangula and the Brachystegia mirabilis. They can tolerate a little shade, and they will flower brilliantly if you provide them with a mix of half dark and half soil. They also thrive on an organic mulch, such as that found in most greenhouses. This mulch should be made from wood chips and bark, and the mulch should not be damp but moist. An abundance of water will encourage the roots to spread out and to form deeper, fuller blooms.
Cattleya orchids can be a great choice for houseplants, as long as you pay close attention to the exact needs of the flower. They need a regular supply of light, as well as, water. They should be kept in an area free of debris, and they will reward you with a colorful array of flower colors. You should place your cattleya orchid plants about three to four inches deep in well-drained soil, using potting soil, and they will bloom beautifully. In order to get the absolute most out of your cattleya orchid plants, make sure you follow the guidelines that are provided here, and be patient.