How to Grow Cattleya Orchids from Seeds: A Complete Beginner's Guide

 

Cattleya orchids plant is a wonderful flowering plants and they are among the most beautiful and popular orchids in the world. The Cattleya orchid’s plants are actually known for their large, colorful flowers and delightful fragrance. The Cattleya orchid’s plants are often called the "Queen of Orchids." Most gardeners actually propagate the Cattleya orchid plants through division, but growing the plant from seeds can be a rewarding experience for any orchid enthusiasts who take pleasure in a challenge.

The truth is that growing Cattleya orchid plants from seeds really requires endurance because the orchid seeds are extremely small and they really develop slowly. Nevertheless, with proper care for the plant and the right conditions, you can easily grow healthy plants from seed to the flowering maturity.

Understanding The Cattleya Orchid Plant Seeds

The Cattleya orchid seeds are not like most garden plants, the Cattleya orchid seeds are actually tiny and dust-like. A single Cattleya orchid seed pod may contain thousands or even millions of seeds. The Cattleya orchid seeds actually lack the stored nutrients found in ordinary seeds, which simply means the seeds really need special conditions for them to germinate.

Furthermore, in nature the Cattleya orchid seeds actually depend on beneficial fungi to provide nutrients during germination. Because of this relationship between them, growing the Cattleya orchid plants from seeds can be harder than growing other plants from seed. 

Collecting The Cattleya Orchid Plant Seeds

If for instance you already have the mature Cattleya orchids, you can easily produce the seeds through pollination.

If you want to pollinate a flower:

1.    You have to use a good clean toothpick or tweezers.

2.    Then just carefully remove the pollinia (pollen masses) from one flower.

3.    You have to place the pollinia onto the stigma of another flower.

4.    A successful pollination will cause the flower to wilt while the Cattleya orchid plant seed pod begins developing.

The Cattleya orchid plant seed pod usually takes between six and twelve months to mature. Once the Cattleya orchid plant seed pod mature, it will begin to split open immediately, this indicate that the seeds are ready for harvesting. 

Preparing the Seeds for Germination

Because the Cattleya orchid plant seed seeds are so delicate, the seed must be grown in a sterile environment. Most commercial Cattleya orchid plant growers often use a laboratory technique called flasking.

The following are the basic materials needed:

·  You need orchid seeds

·  You need sterile containers or flasks

·  You will need orchid seed germination medium

·  You need distilled water

·  You also need sterilizing solution

·  You will also need a clean workspace

A lot of hobbyists buy ready-made orchid germination media in other to simplify the process.

Sterilizing the Cattleya Orchid Plant Seeds

Actually sterilization is really one of the most vital steps because bacteria and fungi can swiftly destroy orchid plant seeds.

To sterilize the Cattleya orchid plant seeds:

1.    You need to place the seeds in a small container.

2.    Then add a mild bleach solution.

3.    Then gently shake it for some minutes.

4.    Make sure you rinse with sterile water.

5.    Transfer the Cattleya orchid plant seeds to the germination medium.

Make sure you always work with clean hands and also sterilized the tools in other to prevent contamination.

Sowing the Cattleya Orchid Plant Seeds

After sterilization Cattleya orchid seed:

1.    You have to prepare sterile container that is filled with orchid germination medium.

2.    Then carefully spread the Cattleya orchid plant seeds over the surface.

3.    You need to seal the containers immediately.

4.    Make sure you label each of the containers with the date and orchid variety.

The containers actually need to remain sealed during the Cattleya orchid seed germination to maintain sterility.

Also Read: How to Grow Adenium From Stem Cuttings

Providing the Right Growing Conditions for Cattleya Orchid Plant

The Cattleya orchid plant seeds really require a consistent environmental condition for successful germination.

Light Requirement

Make sure you place the containers in bright, indirect light.

Try as much as possible to avoid direct sunlight because it can overheat the containers and then damage developing Cattleya orchid plant seedlings.

A fluorescent or LED grow light works well for the indoor Cattleya orchid plant growing.

Temperature requirement

Make sure you maintain temperatures that are between 22°C and 28°C (72°F to 82°F).

A stable temperature actually encourages healthy growth and also improves the Cattleya orchid seed germination success.

Humidity Requirement

A high humidity is beneficial for the Cattleya orchid plant, however because the containers remain sealed, humidity is generally maintained automatically inside the flask.

The Germination Cattleya orchid Seed Process

The Cattleya orchid seed germination can actually take several weeks to several months.

The first stage of Cattleya orchid germination is actually called a protocorm. Instead of the plant producing leaves immediately, the seed will develop into a small green structure that absorbs nutrients from the growing medium.

Over time:

·  The protocorms will enlarge

·  The tiny roots will appear

·  The small leaves will develop

·  The Cattleya orchid seedlings will begin forming

Patience is very important because the Cattleya orchid seedlings grow much more slowly than most plants.

Transferring The Cattleya Orchid Seedlings

Once the Cattleya orchid plant seedlings have developed several leaves and roots, they can be carefully removed from the flask.

This process is actually called deflasking.

The steps:

1.    You need to open the container very carefully.

2.    Remove the Cattleya orchid plant seedlings gently.

3.    You need to wash off any remaining growth medium.

4.    Separate the Cattleya orchid plant seedlings without damaging the roots.

Make sure you handle the Cattleya orchid plant seedlings carefully because the young plants are fragile.

Potting The Young Cattleya Orchid Plants

Immediately after deflasking you can carefully plant the Cattleya orchid seedlings in a suitable orchid growing mix.

The common orchid media are:

·  Coconut husk chips

·  Perlite

·  Charcoal

·  Fir bark

Make sure you choose small pots with good drainage.

Place the Cattleya orchid seedlings in the growing medium and then water them lightly.

Caring for The Young Cattleya Orchid Plants

The young Cattleya orchid plants actually need special attention during their first year outside the flask.

Water Requirement

Make sure you water the plant when the growing medium begins to dry.

Make sure you avoid overwatering because excessive moisture can easily cause root rot.

Humidity Requirement

Make sure you maintain humidity levels between fifty percent and seventy percent.

Using humidity trays or humidifiers can really help the plants in dry environments.

Fertilizer Requirement

You can easily apply a balanced orchid fertilizer on the plants at one-quarter strength every 2 weeks.

The young Cattleya orchid plants benefit from regular but gentle feeding.

Air Circulation Around The Plants

Actually a good airflow around the plants can help to prevent fungal diseases and also encourages healthy growth.

A small fan can actually improve air circulation around the plants indoors.

Repotting as the Cattleya Orchid Plants Grow

As the Cattleya orchid seedlings mature, their roots will sooner or later outgrow their containers.

You can carefully repot every 1 to 2 years or whenever the growing medium begins to break down.

You can use fresh orchid bark and also make sure you avoid burying the rhizome too deeply.

The healthy Cattleya orchid roots are vital for vigorous growth and flowering.

Cattleya Orchid Plant Common Problems and Solutions

Mold in Flasks

The cause:
This is cause by poor sterilization or contamination.

The solution:
You can easily Improve sterilization procedures and also use clean equipment.

The Cattleya Orchid Seedlings Turning Yellow

The cause:
When there is excessive light or nutrient deficiency.

The solution:
You can reduce light intensity and also provide appropriate fertilization.

Root Rot

The cause:
The cause is overwatering and poor drainage.

The solution:
You can easily allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings.

Slow Growth on The Plants

The Cause:
When there is Insufficient light or nutrients.

The solution:
Try as much as possible to provide brighter indirect light and regular feeding.