Cattleya sheaths, dry why? Yellow dead looking -

[jmateosky]

Hi,

I would like to get a disscusion going about Sheaths, I have many Cats flowering, many species, in my greenhouse. My nicer plants I have below a roof so I can control the water fert... I have several on trunks that are growing outside. The plant is happy happy, but the sheaths are dry, a couple are yellow, the plant I am looking at is a laelia purpurata. but I have a couple other Cats that have the same problems. this last month we have been inundated by heavy rains. I am blaming the problem on the excess water, but would love to here some other experiences, or advice.

Thanks,

Jim

[DebsC]

Jim, I'm really glad you brought this subject up. I too have loads of cattleya and while I know some do bloom from dry sheaths, some do not.

I have several catts that have yellow sheaths as well as green sheaths on the same plant. Mine are in the greenhouse so it isn't too much rain.

The humidity level has stayed the same. The only variable is the temps. It got pretty cool a night or two. But why would it affect one sheath and not the other?

I would be so interested to hear others opinions.

[Tindomul]

I have two Lc.'s that have multiple new growths, and each with a sheath. Some sheaths are large but yellow and all or them are too thin to have any buds developing. It's been like this since June. I feed 20-20-20 and KLN mix, 2 tsp. per gallon twice or thrice a month and mist them every day I can, usually turns out to be 4 or 5 times a week. They are in S/H. They get lots of morning sun. The most sunshine I can give. Don't know what else I could do to make things better. They must be happy, they have many new growths and even ooze sap. Lots of it.

[Shirley]

Jim,

I've been told by a very good grower that when an orchid is oozing a lot of sap, it's a sign that something is going wrong! I'm really not sure that this is true -- still wondering!

Shirley

[Tindomul]

Oh, I thought they were happy???

[nenella]

same!!!!
I'm sure I have read that somewhere? hope someone out there has 'the truth'

[agolley]

Hello,
I usually do not respond to many of the inquiries but this one I feel compelled to answer. I have grown orchids for years under various conditions and if you give them enough care you will have the same successes (and probably some failures as well) as I have had. If you are growing under less than Ideal conditions, which most of are, you need to compensate for the needs of the plant. I view my plants with a quizical eye every day. I can tell leaf color change, root growth, bug problems, etc et c on a regular everyday basis. Over the years I have learned that some catts send out lots of new growths, and sheaths start to appear long before the blooming time for the plant. Sometimes they will dry out. Not a big deal, you can watch the plant closely, as I do, and when you see a bud sticking its head into the sheath open the sheath very carefully and let it come out. Not every new growth will send out buds even though it sends out sheaths. That's the mystery of it and what makes it fun!!! When I see sugar forming on the plant on new growth or near a sheath (some call it sap, but the chameleons love it so I call it sugar) then I know the plant is happy and healthy. This means the light, humidity, water , fertilizer are okay and the plant is doing well. And then I am happy too. Take it for what it is worth.... it is my opinion after growing for 20 years and I am sure there are people that will disagree. Happy growing I wish you all the success. Andy G from the mountain of western North Carolina.

[Gin]

:iagree: Very good post ! gin

[cb977]

Thanks for responding to this post, Andy
Very informative...and it gives me hope

[DebsC]

Thanks so much for the information, Andy, I enjoyed reading your post.