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Rank: Newbie
Joined: 1/7/2009
Posts: 2
Location: Austin, TX.
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Hello. I recently bought a Cattlya Orchid from Lowe's. It was just starting out as a plant, so there are no flowers or anything yet.
I believe I'm doing all the right things as far as maintenance goes, but I still haven't seen any changes in the plant color, size, etc.
Do Orchids grow slowly or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks,
- Nick
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 9/14/2008
Posts: 137
Location: Ankeny, Iowa
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Well, orchids are relatively slow growing plant and typically bloom every 6 to 12 month. Orchids may be potted in plastic, clay or decorator pots, and the type of pot selected may influence watering frequency; plants in clay pots will need more frequent watering, as they will dry out a little faster. Always select pots with drainage holes; orchid roots in contact with standing water will rot and die, killing the plant. Media in the center of larger pots may remain wet for long periods and become an unhealthy environment for roots. It is best to plant it in a pot specifically designed for orchids (orchid pots), but if you can find any, you can also place pieces of broken terra cotta in the bottom of the pot. A smaller pot inverted into a larger one can also help with drainage and aeration, with the roots of the plant draped over and around the smaller pot. Whejn planting it, never use soil, the recommended type of medium for this plant is commonly include fir bark, coconut husk, sphagnum moss. Besides that, mist quite frequently and you should srate getting blooms again.
Operational Manager at Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Ames, Iowa
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Rank: Newbie
Joined: 3/1/2009
Posts: 2
Location: Utah
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Orchids generally don't grow year round. They have specific growth cycles. So don't be alarmed if you see nothing happening. But you need to pay attention so you don't overwater if it's not growing. orchids are not forgiving. A cattleya orchid blooms only once from a given growth or pseudobulb. Then you have to wait for it to grow another new pseudobulb before it will bloom again. As a newbie my best recommendation is to buy blooming size plants. You can read a bit about cattleya growth in this excerpt from Withner's books. Was/is there a tag in the pot identifying the orchid? If so, what does it say?
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Rank: Member
Joined: 2/9/2009
Posts: 21
Location: Colorado
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The orchid family is one of the three largest families of flowering plants (along with daisies and grasses)and comprises of around 35,000 naturally occurring species of which 97% require a dormant period in their growth cycle to thrive this includes Cattleya and its hybrids. The dormant period corresponds with the region the species originated from. cattleyas enjoy high light and intermediate temperatures and require a drop in temperature and moisture during the winter to respect their dormant period. Some were around 58 degrees at night will suffice don't forget that cattleya must dry out between watering's. feed with a balanced, dielooted fertilizer once a month during active growth and with a fertilizer high in phosphorus once during the late fall for flowers.
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Rank: Newbie
Joined: 3/1/2009
Posts: 2
Location: Utah
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I'm sorry, but "dielooted" ??? To me that makes anything you write questionable. "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.."
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 1/20/2009
Posts: 54
Location: Cape York QUEENSLAND
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I am sure lady and lord meant DILUTED. Take their advice they know their subject.
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