Project 2016: Cattleya walkeriana

[Orchid Whisperer]

Question for those that have grown C. Walkeriana before.

I know this is a relatively small plant. How big is the plant usually when it is blooming size (leaf length, pseudobulb height, or whatever measure is appropriate)? I know this is one of the Catts that bloom on separate growths from the main leafy/pseudobulb growths. Just wondering when it might be reasonable to look for those.

[Lady Meera]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Question for those that have grown C. Walkeriana before.

I know this is a relatively small plant. How big is the plant usually when it is blooming size (leaf length, pseudobulb height, or whatever measure is appropriate)? I know this is one of the Catts that bloom on separate growths from the main leafy/pseudobulb growths. Just wondering when it might be reasonable to look for those.

Mine came in a 3.5" pot. The largest leaves are 3.5" to 4" long and the tallest pseudobulb is 2" tall but I don't think it is fully 'plumped' yet. Although this is my first one, I was told by Hausermann's that it was blooming size when I bought it a couple months ago.

I have 2 larger (newer?) bulbs that are putting out new growths. I hope these end up being blooms (fingers crossed). Does anyone know if you can tell the difference between a new bulb and a bloom growth when they are that small? In the attached picture the new growths are coming from the front bulb and the one directly behind it.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Lady Meera

Mine came in a 3.5" pot. The largest leaves are 3.5" to 4" long and the tallest pseudobulb is 2" tall but I don't think it is fully 'plumped' yet. Although this is my first one, I was told by Hausermann's that it was blooming size when I bought it a couple months ago.

I have 2 larger (newer?) bulbs that are putting out new growths. I hope these end up being blooms (fingers crossed). Does anyone know if you can tell the difference between a new bulb and a bloom growth when they are that small? In the attached picture the new growths are coming from the front bulb and the one directly behind it.

Thanks, that is very helpful. I have 3 of the same 'Carmela' semi-alba clone. The one that is closest to the size you mentioned is mounted and the pseudobulbs are about 2 inches, leaves maybe 3 inches. My guess is we might be talking about blooming next year(?)

The one that is doing the 'next best' is potted. The third one (potted, sort of, in a hollow section of tree fern) is smaller, but to be fair it is also pushing 3 leads.