Cattleya Bloom Time - Orchid Board

seabead22 · #1 05-31-2011, 10:08 PM

My first cattleya is in bud and about to bloom,yay. Just wondering what everyones experience is with blooming time? My phals have lasted from one month up to four, what can I expect from my cattleya?

silken · #2 05-31-2011, 10:22 PM

Others may have different times. but my catts last from a week to 3 weeks for most of the large ones. I have a mini hybrid that is still looking pristine 5 or 6 weeks after opening. They are not as long lasting as phals and some paphs or dens. usually but their floofiness makes up for it

Bringing them out of a warm sunny area once they are open helps prolong their life. Be sure to post when it opens!

tucker85 · #3 05-31-2011, 10:23 PM

Unfortunately Cattleyas don't last as long as phals. I have had some stay in bloom five or six weeks but generally they last three to four weeks. Good luck.

cricketerry · #4 06-02-2011, 09:29 AM

2-5 weeks in my experience. Waxy flowers last longer than 'soft' ones, and as already mentioned keeping them away from sun & heat will help.

Vanda lover · #5 06-02-2011, 10:16 AM

Many bloom 3 to 5 weeks, and I suppose that if you have a mature pot with many plants in it, it woud extend the bloom a little. If you have one of the hybrids, such as Cattletonia or Potinara, they at least bloom a few times a year. Much as I love the Catts, 3 weeks a year is not enough in my opinion.

Eyebabe · #6 06-02-2011, 02:49 PM

I concur that they will last 3 to 5 weeks.
For this reason, you need to have MULTIPLE plants that bloom at different times of the year so as to always have something in flower

Vanda lover · #7 06-02-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyebabe

I concur that they will last 3 to 5 weeks.
For this reason, you need to have MULTIPLE plants that bloom at different times of the year so as to always have something in flower

I agree! You can never have too many orchids.

seabead22 · #8 06-10-2011, 07:56 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone. It is finally opening for me to enjoy!!!! It isn't all the way but I had to post a picture. There is 1 other bud that will open tomorrow and 2 more that are about a week away. This is Lc. Ann Akagi 'Hihimanu'. The second image with flash shows the shiny/silky texture.

Zoi2 · #9 06-10-2011, 09:17 PM

Very pretty, way to grow!!
Joann