Question regarding Cattleya Terminology
 

Ok.

It seems that I've really gotten into catts for some reason. I've been buying some beauties on ebay, but I'm confused as to the terminology regarding the descriptions.

What is exactly a lead versus a growth? How do you determine whether the plant is specimen sized or not? For catts, is it better to buy taller plants or fatter plants? What's the difference between "in sheath" versus "in bud."

I bought a Blc. Arabesque "Golden Zebra" in July and the description said not in sheath or in bud, but when I got it it looked like it had sheaths. It's blooming right now and I think it's going to have like 9 flowers at least. So I'm confused!!

Any help would be appreciated. :bowing :bowing :bowing :bowing :bowing

A lead and growth on a Cattleya are the same. However, for plants like Phalaenopsis, there is no lead, just a new growth.

While I dont know the exact definition of a specimen sized plant, for me its just really big specimen for its species. You'll know when you see one!:biggrin:

Its better to buy Catts with fat happy bulbs than tall ones. Fat bulbs are the storage organs for the plants and indicate how good or bad the growing conditions were when that growth was growing. Fat bulbs lead to better flowers (in size, number and color) and better future growths. Remember, however that Cattleyas and their allies have different sizes and shapes for their bulbs. This rule applies to hybrids as well!

Finally, in bud means that there are buds either in the sheath or outside of the sheath. The term 'in sheath' simply refers to the fact that a sheath is present. Buds form within a sheath so a sheath is a precursor to buds, though the presence of a sheath in no way guarantees buds.

Hope this helps!

well there is no question why you got into catts...they are simply the most gorgeous, elegant, fragrant, colorful, delightful, and generally attractive of all the orchids IMHO.....that statement will get me in trouble here i am sure, but its the truth, and when people think orchid they think the big catts and smell orchid they smell the big catts....as far as your other questions go, i think jan and steve answered them pretty darn good....enjoy those catts!!