Frustrated with big Cattelya's

[keithrs]

You need to check you root health. If you have good root health, 50% shade cloth(under full sun), good humidity, and frequent waterings. You'll find that a very small amount of complete fertilizer is needed(preferably K-Lite) for your plants to bloom. I use something in the range of 15-20 ppm N every watering and going lower. My growth is just as big or bigger then when i used 125 ppm N. Plants that size need no media in the pots in my opinion. In my two cents.... I would put them under a tree or patio that has strong dapple lighting, remove the media and water 4-5 times per week. Then when it starts to get cold out reduce to 1-2x per week. I don't water in the winter because it rains about once a week.