Catlaya did not bloom..and black spots - Orchid Board

Jaak · #1 02-04-2011, 07:50 AM

Hi,

I received an Catlaya from my mother as a present,
it is a type of Catlaya unfortunately it hat to endure a 9 hour car ride in the winter.
We did have heating on on 21 degrees ..

Anyways they Catlaya did not bloom proper nor has it since then,
it also has black spots on it that have not really grown in a years time,
but i would like to know what caused this and how to for come.

Another problem is that it is shooting new bulbs but does not have any sign of flowering.
From what i understood from reading books and internet this might have to do with the Catlaya not having a proper rest period.

I since then have split the Catlaya and re-potted it.

so long story short...how do i make it bloom again?
And how do i for come what happened last time (see pictures)

Year ago..

Now...

camille1585 · #2 02-04-2011, 08:07 AM

For the black spots on the leaf, since there is only one leaf with them I would just recommend that you cut that portion of the leaf off. Cut off about 2cm of healthy tissue after the spots, just to be sure that you got all of it.

As for the Catt, was it in bud during that car ride? If it is then it's entirely possible that variation in temperature (and probably drier air in the car) caused them to blast.

And as to reblooming, I don't grow Catts, but I'm nearly certain that they don't need a rest period of any sort.
Where are you growing the plant, and how are you caring for it? Catts need quite a bit of light, basically as much as you can give them without burning the leaves.

Jaak · #3 02-04-2011, 08:15 AM

Hi Camille,

Thanks again,

Yes the buds where there during car ride and i was thinking it was maybe temperature change.

The Catt's are in front of the window and get full light in the morning until beginning midday.

I occasionally mist the leaves with water and only at night.

I never knew they can handle all the light they can get though.

camille1585 · #4 02-04-2011, 08:28 AM

I would try increasing the light, morning light doesn't sound like enough. Do you have a window that gets some afternoon light as well (or only afternoon light)? You may need to pull it back from the window a bit or hang a sheer curtain between the plant and the window to avoid burning. You'll need to keep a close eye on the plant for a while, especially as the intensity of the sun increases.

Don't despair about getting blooms this season, it could still be too early for your plant, and it may still surprise you with a sheath. Hopefully Catt growers will give you some advice, I'm not speaking from personal experience.

Hopefully we'll get all your orchid problems sorted out, so you can have happy blooming plants again!

bullsie · #5 02-04-2011, 09:48 AM

Jaak, the leaves will tell you if you are giving it enough light. Leaves that are a bit light green, even tinted reddish, is a sign of good light. Dark green tends to indicate too little. And as you allow it more sun, be cautious of burning. (Camille1585 was right on on her advice.)

No misting at night/evening. Misting through the day is good. Catts don't need a winter rest as many going into dormancy do. Instead, you can cut back on watering and fertilizing just a bit during 'winter'. But as the daylight begins to increase, also do so with water and fertilizing. It will soon begin to go into active growth.

Just remember, when it does come into bud - don't move it!!! (If you meet all its needs, it should flower on its next growth.)

Jaak · #6 02-04-2011, 10:55 AM

Camille & Bullsie thanks for the replies,

I was reluctant misting during the day as i was afraid that with light it might have an negative effect.
And i presumed it would turn misty at night in there natural habitat.
I will stop night misting.
looking at the color it does seem it needs more light as it seems a bit dark to me.
As far as the blooming i guess it skipped a year then.
Will keep you all informed.