Attaching Cattleya Orchids on Trees

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Cat Lair Area
3. Preparing to Attach the Catleias
4. Removing them from the Pot
5. Cleaning and Trimming the Roots
6. Choosing the Attachment Spot on the Palm
7. Using the Green Wire for Attachment
8. Wrapping the Wire Around the Roots
9. Ensuring a Secure Hold
10. Adding Fertilizer for Growth
11. Updates and Final Thoughts

Introduction

Welcome back to my channel! In today's video, I have an exciting project to share with you. I will be attaching some catleias, also known as cat layers, to my palms. Instead of putting them in pots, I have decided to attach them directly to the bark of the palm trees in my backyard. This area, which I fondly call the cat lair, is in a shaded spot at the back of my yard. It's the perfect environment for these beautiful plants to thrive and bloom all year round.

The Cat Lair Area

Before I show you how to attach the catleias, let me give you a quick tour of the cat lair area. This secluded spot in my backyard is home to three sets of Christmas palms, each with three trunks. It provides a beautiful and serene backdrop for my catleias. The shaded area, created by the palm trees, offers the ideal conditions for their growth.

Preparing to Attach the Catleias

To begin the attachment process, I first need to remove the catleias from the pots they came in and give them a nice soak. This makes it easier to remove any bark chips without damaging the delicate roots. I gently clean them up, knowing that once they are attached to the palms, any remaining bark chips will naturally fall off.

Removing them from the Pot

Once the catleias have been soaked, I carefully take them out of the pots. I make sure to handle them with care, as their roots have become soft and vulnerable. Removing as many bark chips as possible, I also trim any dead roots I come across. It is important to keep the new growth and roots separated, ensuring they are not squished or smushed.

Choosing the Attachment Spot on the Palm

With the catleias prepared, it's time to select the perfect spot on the palm tree for attachment. I look for an area of the trunk where there are no other bark chips or roots that could be disturbed. This allows for a secure hold and prevents any unnecessary damage.

Using the Green Wire for Attachment

For this attachment, I have chosen to use green wire instead of pantyhose. I found that using the wire allows for better air circulation and avoids excessive moisture buildup, which can potentially harm the catleias. I take the green wire and get ready to secure the catleias to the palm tree.

Wrapping the Wire Around the Roots

Carefully, I wrap the green wire around the roots of the catleias, ensuring a nice, secure hold. I make sure to wrap it around two or three times, creating a firm attachment without putting too much pressure on the delicate pseudobulbs or pseudobulbs. This is a simple process that I can easily do by myself, although having some help can make it even easier.

Ensuring a Secure Hold

Once the catleias are attached, I double-check to ensure everything is secure. I want to make sure they have a stable hold and won't become loose over time. By wrapping the wire firmly but not too tightly, I strike a balance between security and allowing the plants to grow and expand comfortably.

Adding Fertilizer for Growth

To promote growth and nourishment, I add a small baggie of fertilizer near the attached catleias. This way, when it rains, the fertilizer will slowly dissolve and provide essential nutrients to the plants. It's a simple way to give them an extra boost and encourage healthy development.

Updates and Final Thoughts

I will definitely keep you updated on the progress of the attached catleias. With any luck, they will bloom by spring, when the catleias in my yard usually put on a stunning show. I appreciate all your support and wonderful comments, and I can't wait to share more exciting gardening adventures with you. Stay tuned for future videos!

Highlights:

• Attaching catleias to palm trees in the cat lair area
• Creating a shaded and thriving environment for the plants
• Removing catleias from pots and cleaning the roots
• Choosing the right spot on the palm tree for attachment
• Using green wire for a secure hold without excessive moisture
• Wrapping wire around the roots for a stable attachment
• Adding fertilizer for nourishment and growth
• Updates and future videos to track the progress

FAQ:

Q: What are catleias? A: Catleias, also known as cat layers, are a type of orchid species prized for their vibrant blooms.

Q: Why attach catleias to palm trees instead of using pots? A: Attaching catleias directly to the palm trees provides a unique and visually appealing display. It also allows the plants to benefit from the natural environment and conditions provided by the palm trees.

Q: How do you secure the catleias to the palm trees? A: I use green wire to wrap around the roots of the catleias and attach them securely to the bark of the palm tree. This provides stability while allowing the plants to grow and expand comfortably.

Q: How often should the attached catleias be fertilized? A: A small baggie of fertilizer can be added near the attached catleias. When it rains, the fertilizer will dissolve and provide essential nutrients to the plants. This can be done periodically to ensure healthy growth.

Q: Will the attached catleias bloom? A: With the right conditions and care, the attached catleias have a high chance of blooming. They will hopefully put on a stunning display by spring, when catleias in the area typically flourish.

Resources:

• None mentioned in the content.