cattleya

[bluesyblue]

can you help me identify my cattleya?thank u!
and why the stems are shrinking i regularly water them and fertilize them 1x wk..thanks

[dounoharm]

I think you may be speaking about the psuedobulb? what the leaf grows from?

it is normal for them to shrivel up a bit as they get older....they store energy for the plant....but you need to check your roots after this bloom fades....to make sure the roots can absorb the water.....let the roots get completely dry before watering each time, no matter how long that takes....gl

[bluesyblue]

yes the pseudobulb sorry..ok so its normal.ok,il chek their roots..is it ok if i use charcoal as my media? is magnesium sulfate,and calcium ok for them?.i really appreciate your help..thank u so much!....do u know the id of my cattleya?😊

[isurus79]

You might also consider watering them 2x per week in hot weather. Do you have pictures of the bulbs?

[Bohata]

Originally Posted by isurus79

You might also consider watering them 2x per week in hot weather. Do you have pictures of the bulbs?

I second this. It depends on many factors, including the growth medium and the depth of the pot. I actually sometimes water mine 3 times a week in hot weather. But this is in straight, medium fir bark. Do check the growth medium first. You might get away with growing in charcoal, but skip the magnesium or calcium. Regular fertilizer weekly, weakly should do.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Bohata

but skip the magnesium or calcium. Regular fertilizer weekly, weakly should do.

I'll have to politely disagree with this. Skipping calcium and magnesium can lead to problems. I use the stuff every time I water and also fertilize weekly.

[bluesyblue]

sir steve,can i mix 20-20-20 and tha mg and ca? .my country is not having a winter, im in a tropical country..so its ok if il water/fertilizer then 1x a wk?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by bluesyblue

sir steve,can i mix 20-20-20 and tha mg and ca? .my country is not having a winter, im in a tropical country..so its ok if il water/fertilizer then 1x a wk?

Mixing fertilizer and cal/mag works well. Many fertilizer companies combine them.

Only fertilize when the plants are growing. Many plants in tropical countries rest for a while.

[bluesyblue]

what do u mean REST? .theyr not giving blooms? thank you sir steve for that info now i know whats good for my cattleyas..

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by bluesyblue

what do u mean REST? .theyr not giving blooms? thank you sir steve for that info now i know whats good for my cattleyas..

Rest means that they are not blooming and not growing either. They just look like they are doing nothing at all for a while.

Personally I continue giving fertiliser when my orchids are in a resting phase. I give a very dilute fertilizer nearly every watering.