How long for bud to open??
 

I have a catt that I think I saved from bud blast. I believe my house was too cool these winter months (I like it - my orchids don't apparently). I decided to warm it up by placing it in a clear plastic bag and put a small light on it to warm it up during the day. Voila! the sick looking bud transformed into a deeper color and a larger size. The picture shows it after 16 days in this treatment growing but not opening. Last summer it took about 11 days to go from fat bud to open flower. Do you think this is due to its "sick" start or do things just take longer in the winter season? Do buds ever NOT open when they are that large - do they just sit and eventually fall off? Perhaps this query is rife with obvious statements, but it seems to be taking a long time for this bud to do its thing!! (and I'm anxious to see it again). Thanks very much for your thoughts.

I mistakenly put this thread in the wrong category - should be in cattleya alliance. Sorry for mistake.

Unfortunately buds can blast even when big. But yours looks good. Lower temps, and less light this time of year can definitely slow down spike and bud development. Have patience :)

Good news to hear that the bud looks good. It is quite plump for sure. I shall be patient. Thanks again, Sonya.:)

That looks ready to pop open in the next day or two... or maaaaaybe 3.

Buds can always blast but usually it happens when they're small to mid-sized. Larger buds don't blast as often. As far as how long it takes, every orchid is different. Some tall spikes take months to mature but I think yours is getting pretty close.

I bet it's open now! :)

Hi Celtic100, your thread has been moved to the Cattleya Alliance.

That looks like an interesting flower, very spotted. What is the hybrid, or is it a species?

I think we are all waiting patiently to see it opened. :nod:

Oscarman: Thanks for moving me to the correct forum - don't know what I was thinking (or if :)). Anyway, the orchid is Cattleya Summer Spot Carmela, purchased Valentine's Day of '09, from Logees in CT. They don't have tons of orchids, but what they do have are lovely. The plant tag doesn't indicate but I'm sure it's a hybrid. Don't know for sure, though. If I am able to see her bloom, after looking like she was going downhill, it is because of what I have learned from the contributors to this board. Between reading other's posts, asking my own questions, and always receiving good advice, it has been a super learning experience. The photo shown is Carmela from last summer after spending lots of time outside in very warm, humid air. I think she liked it a lot. Again, thank you all for your comments and input. When she does open (still looking plump right now), I'll be sure and post a picture - we are due for some major weather here in the next couple of days, hopefully I will not lose power so I can post!!

Carmela emerges!!
 

Well, it took 22 days from going into her plastic, warm enclosure to today but she did it!! Today saw her peeking out and there she was.:) Gage said 3 days from 2/7 post so only off by one day. Good "orchid-ing", Gage. Thanks again for everyone's interest.

Carmela red carpet!
 

Well, by now you must all be tired of my posts about my recovered orchid, Carmela. I am just so pleased to have brought her beauty back from the sure death of bad bad bud blast and will do my best to keep her growing stronger and more beautiful. Anyway, here is the full opening of her loveliness. P.S. I got so excited about this "happening" that I supported the forum for a month. Thanks again.