Growing Catts in cork

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Becca

I agree with the others, your Catt's need more light but need to be introduced slowly to the brighter light, like small intervals. I am not an expert at this since I grow under lights, does any one have any recommendations for what type of time increments to use as a gradual increase? An hour, couple hours, few hours, perhaps less then an hour to start? I guess you could just do it on days when you are home and check the leaves to feel when they are starting to get warm to the touch.

Im actually a big fan of putting the plants under a tree or some bushes and moving them slowly 'into the light.' I dont know how observant you are, but if you know how the sun tracks across your yard throughout the year, you can put your plants in an area with increasing sunlight as the seasons change. That could be kind of a pain in the rear though! I think using existing cover to provide a 'dappled' sunlight effect would be the easiest way to move them into brighter conditions. Doing this now is the best time of year because the sun is getting progressively weaker as we approach winter. Hopefully by next summer your plants should have a nice red/purple sheen across their leaves and they will be well adapted to life in the sun!

P.S. Remember to keep an eye on them because burning can happen pretty quickly, as in a matter of hours. Just like pale people!

[peeweelovesbooks]

I'm going to go ahead and do this. I will try and upload some pics today also.

How much fertilizer do you recommend? I use MSU 1/4 tsp per gallon x 3 weeks and the 4th I flush.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

I'm going to go ahead and do this. I will try and upload some pics today also.

How much fertilizer do you recommend? I use MSU 1/4 tsp per gallon x 3 weeks and the 4th I flush.

Im not sure what the recommended feeding is with the MSU formula. However, now that winter is coming, I would back off on the fertilizing until you see spring growth popping up. I stop all fertilizing around now until spring. Just a personal preference.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Im not sure what the recommended feeding is with the MSU formula. However, now that winter is coming, I would back off on the fertilizing until you see spring growth popping up. I stop all fertilizing around now until spring. Just a personal preference.

Ok. I will definitely do this. Thank you very much for all of your advice.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Hi guys.

I'm sorry I took so long in providing the pictures. Here are the cattleyas that I was talking about. They are all on the front porch (pics included) which faces east, I think. Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thanks for the help!!

Here's the link: peeweelovesbooks - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[Jkelee]

Hi there!
I mount everything I can on Cork, as she dries well. And the roots Love it!! Going in every nook and crany!
And all my Catts in my Chid Hotel outside, are in Lava rock. I water everything daily, except in this yucky FL cold!
The pics are my link below!