New growths on cattleyas?

[Lucinda Brown]

Does anybody out there know how long it takes new growths coming up in cattleyas to mature and be bloom size? My 'complete book on orchids' didn't have an answer to this one and when I asked the computer, I think I just confused it Appreciate any help, thanks!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I think I would say about 3 to 5 months (well, maybe 2 to 4, I haven't been recording this type of info) to fully mature, but they don't always bloom right away. Could be several months more before some Catt species bloom. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[jerrymeola]

I assume you are talking about a mature plant, because a young plant will never get its pseudobulbs to bloom.

Once a plant is mature it blooms on a schedule that is genetic to the plant. Maturity of the pseudobulb to flower is the time between blooming.
It is plant dependant.

For some examples

L. purpurata species and hybrids can be very slow. this hybrid that is 75% purpurata was as slow as 18 months when it was chocking on its own roots and when repotted went from new growth to flowers in six months. Now is seems to be back on a once a year cycle.



Blc. Golden Tang is know for blooming every 14-16 weeks. I recorded its flowers for over two years and it was like clockwork. (Interesting aside it also stopped flowering when it became too overgrown and started again after repotting. It is consistent that the colors of the flowers varies by season.




Stima Kelly 'Lea' blooms almost continuously year round. I find new growth grows to maturity and blooms in 6-8 weeks



Orchids are so fascinating

[Lucinda Brown]

Hi Jerry, Lucinda, again. Thanks for the responses from everyone. I was looking at that Golden Tang and wondering if you had any of those for sale? Yes, the cat's I asked about are all mature previously bloomed plants. I've been putting them outside under a semi-shaded arbor with a snake mister. They love it and have been sending out new growths like crazy I have about 10 at least of them and they're all out there doing great! THANKS for the help everyone.