Will I get a flower spike from the new growths?
 

I am really hoping that my catt's will bloom this winter. Last year I didn't give them enough sun. However, they've been in pleanty of sun and all have new growth..
Here's my question: The spike will grow from the new psuedobulbs, correct? Is there a way to tell if there's a spike in the psuedobulb? I read somewhere that if you use a flashlight you can see it- but nothening so far. Any tips on how to keep the process going until blooming?
For example-do they need a cold/dark period? I use grow lights in the winter. Should I keep the lights on for 12 hours or cut back and only give them 8 hours?
I am really excited that I might finally get them to bloom

Nice light green coloring on the newest pbulb! No, don't cut down on the lighting. The "spike" will come from in between the leaves on top of the pbulb. It won't look like a spike on, say a Phal or Oncidium.

Once it starts to push up, you'll recognize it. You can't see it with a light down inside the pbulb. It doesn't work that way.

Cool, thank you!! Summering my plants in a sunny place has made a world of difference. All have good leaf color and new growth. Looking forward to flowers this fall/winter

Rhonda - this article will give you more insight into the entire process.

That particular plant might not be big/old enough to flower. It should be big enough next year with good care.

This is what a "spike" looks like in Cattleyas. It's like a protective "bag" and what more or less resembles a spike is growing inside. As it grows, it will break up the "bag" and comes out.
We call this "bag" a sheath.
Some Catts bloom from green sheaths while others do it from dry ones.
Let me add one more thing. The presence of a sheath doesn't
necessarily mean that the plant will bloom. Sometimes the blooms inside don't develop. That's what is called an empty sheath.

https://i.postimg.cc/d7V9Bqj4/20200915-224135.jpg

Excellent rbarata! And that sheath, or bag, is when you can sometimes shine a light and see the bloom forming, which is part of what you were asking about.

Great thanks! Looking forward to seeing if I get blooms