Water increase with Cattleya - Orchid Board

Julie58 · #1 12-30-2011, 11:26 AM

It's been awhile since I had orchids and I need a bit of a refresher. I have a cattleya that looks like it is sending out a bloom. Should I increase the watering and or fertilizer. It's sitting in a bay window that is facing the south so it's getting plenty of sun. I have a phal. that has also sent out a bloom stalk. I have been watering them both once a week with 20/20/20/ fertilizer. Should I change this?

Leafmite · #2 12-30-2011, 11:38 AM

If your conditions are hot and the cattleya's medium dries quickly, more water sounds like a good idea. If you live in, say, Ohio, and your house is cooler and sunlight is rare, it is probably best to only water when the medium has been completely dry for a day or two. I have a Catt in bloom and the bloom is lasting very well with the cooler, gloomy, dry conditions. Hope this helps.
Leafmite

tucker85 · #3 12-30-2011, 12:15 PM

Cattleyas don't need more water or fertilizer when they start blooming. In fact, during the short winter days they require less water and fertilizer. If the plant is growing well and looks healthy, don't change anything.

Julie58 · #4 12-30-2011, 03:14 PM

Thanks so much for the replies. I think as long as the plant has decided to bloom with what I've been doing I won't change any thing. Thanks so much.

Julie

Shirley · #5 12-30-2011, 10:17 PM

Depending on where you live, I would recommend cutting back on the fertilizer. Unless you're in the "deep south" every three weeks is sufficient in winter and every second week in summer, IMO.

Bud · #6 12-31-2011, 12:08 AM

what is your grow zone? to better help you...

be careful ... no changes at this point; you dont even change the position of the plant...you dont want to have any bud blasts...your budding sheath has nothing inside it yet...the plant might decide to just abort...and the sheath will just shrivel and dry.
Let the plant have the humidity, warmth and bright light it is used to in your bay window....let it dry before watering(follow the cattleya culture) and you will be ok...the plant is happy and wants to reward you with blooms...pls. dont botch it by being overly excited and too caring...leave it alone

Julie58 · #7 01-03-2012, 10:23 AM

Thanks Bud for the reply, I live in Iowa and right now the sun comes in pretty good, when it's sunny out. I do have a plant shelf with lights in front of the bay window. So, at night the plants in the bay window do get some light from the plant shelf lights. After reading the replies I did decide to just leave well enough alone and I am patiently waiting for the sheath to fill. I have had them abort before so I've got my fingers crossed that this time it will bloom. This particular plant has bloomed before but, this was before I acquired it. I will post a picture if it decides to bloom.