Are sheaths normally this long?

[jay]

In this picture the leaf is on the right and the sheath is the one on the left. Is this normal to have a sheath this long? This is my first catt.


Jay

[kmarch]

I don't think it's a sheath. Looks like 2 leaves to me. Sheaths don't open up like the one in yoru pic, they pop open, forced by the growing buds that get too big to be contained. Some Cat hybrids are sheathless.

[jay]

If it is 2 leaves, why do all the previous growths only have one?


Jay

[kmarch]

Some Catt. Alliance species have sngle leaves and others 2. When you get these 1 and 2 leaved genes mixed up in hybrids anything can happen. A plant can have some single-leaved and some double-leaved growths. I have a Slc. Wendy's Valentine that currently has some 1-leaf growths, some 2-leaf growths in addition to currently being in spike without a sheath.

[pikevi]

I think both are leaves too. I have not studied Catts. but I have many Catts in my collection and the sheaths barely reach even half-way up the leaf. Besides I think they have a different texture and colour than the leaves.

I am saying this with very limited experience with Catts.

[Vivienne]

I agree with kmarch - 2 leaves. I have 2 Catts that have grown both 1 and 2 leaf growths. Doesn't seem to affect them.

[digitalgate]

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[jay]

I got that catt the same time I got the larger one. Both were out of bloom and nearly bare root at Lowes. The smaller one has 3 new growths, one with a definite sheath. It looks darker in that picture than it really is. It gets about 3000 fc of light.


Jay

[sandra]

Jay, those look like 2 leaves. Catts don't necessarily have sheaths, some bloom from spikes. I also have a couple of Catts with 1 and 2 leaves on the same plant. Here's a pic of one of mine now with sheaths.

[jay]

So if it is possible for the genetics to be confused so that it produces both one and two leaf growths, is it possible to get a different variation to the flowers.

I guess what I am trying to ask is if both of these growths do flower next year is there any possibility for them to have different flowers?

Jay

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by jay

So if it is possible for the genetics to be confused so that it produces both one and two leaf growths, is it possible to get a different variation to the flowers.

No

Originally Posted by jay

I guess what I am trying to ask is if both of these growths do flower next year is there any possibility for them to have different flowers?

No

To elaborate a little, you will see variation between hybrid siblings but not within one plant, at least no significant differences. You might see differences in flower cound form one inforescence ot the next or slight variation in markings but nothing substantial.

The 2 pics i've linked to below are both of the same plant on separate flowerings, one this year, one last year. This is probably the most dramatic difference I've ever seen in the flowers of one plant, but the flowers were a year apart:

Last year
This year

I'm eager to grow this plant on to see how it blooms next year!

[pikevi]

jay: The only way that could occur is if the two chracteristics are linked to the same gene(s) or group of genes (alleles)

I think that happens in many plants , and I believe , quite extensively in Hibiscus . But I am not certain about that.

But mostly each characteristic ( number of leaves or colour of flowers in this case) is controlled by separate genes, I'd think.

kmarch: My guess is that you will have a different distribution of the colours in the next flower. Beautiful flowers