[Sharyn]

I’ve searched my orchid books and tried to find pictures online, but to no avail. I’m hoping that you cattleya growers can help me. I’ve studied their cultural needs, but still have some basic questions.

1. What am I looking for in new growth? Where will I see it?

2. I have two of the same catts, however, one plant has only one leaf on each pbulb; the other has two leaves per pbulb. Is this odd? They're both about the same size leaves & height.

3. Two frostbitten plants seem to be holding their own (thanks to advice from this forum), however the flower buds fell off and there are other little buds inside a “papery sheath” (?) that are black and dried up. Do these need to be removed? Will other flowers develop in the same place?

4. The medium is very very hard. It’s not just bark - I’m not sure what it’s composed of, but it’s almost impossible to get a skewer in or out of the pots. These were grown in Hawaii. I know I'm suppose to wait until I see new growth to repot but the medium feels like concrete. So, replace with fresh bark now or wait? And last, but not least,

5. Should they be getting any fertilizer while they appear to be dormant?

I've not had these plants long enough to see them flower so I’m not sure what to expect with their growing pattern. So far, I’ve only been able to find pictures of fully bloomed cattleyas. I’d like to see a few pictures of catts developing their bud or sheath (not sure I would know the difference between the two). I’m new to growing these. Any info will be appreciated.