Cattleyas bloom times?

[clay576]

Hey everyone,
I've got several cattleya type orchids, some compact growers, and some mini ones, but I was wondering how to tell when they bloom. I mean as a general rule are hybrids just dependent on temp. differentials night/day to bloom. Whereas, like most cattleya species tend to bloom in fall OR spring. I've got a few that just won't bloom for me. I have them under shadecloth here in TX, lots of warmth, humidity and water all summer. I keep them outside from about April to October, then they are in a west window for winter. Some bloom consistently, yet others I just can't bloom, so my question is : Should I just start moving some inside each night to the A/C in order to get big temp differences, or maybe it's something else? They get plenty of light, as they're under 40% shadcloth in full TX sun. Thanks for any help, and great board btw!

Clay

[Diane]

I've had a few catts that wouldn't rebloom for me. Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter are the primary seasons. I think it's a combination that needs to be right, you have the light and water, so tempurature is about the only thing left. If you can manage it, I'd try putting some plants in a spot (indoors or out) where they get a good swing in temperature, into the high 50's or low 60's at night if possible.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

It could also have to do with the age of the plants and the amount of fertilizer you give to them. If you could post a photo of the foliage of one of the ones you are having trouble with, I can make a better guess. I need to see the color and size of the leaves and psb.

Thanks for the nice comment about the forum. It is a great community. I hope you enjoy it too.

Cheers,
BD

[clay576]

Thanks for your responses guys. BD, I'm going to get a picture posted tomorrow of the non bloomers. I have another strange question though. In equatorial S. America where a lot of these catt crosses grow the temps and daylight hours are basically the same year round, so why is it that it's recommended to give them cooler temps to bloom at night and larger day/night differences in temps? second part, why is it suggested to give them a 'winter rest'. I've always been curious about this.

Thanks for any enlightenment




Clay

[Diane]

If I may add my 2 cents worth - even in those countries there is a difference in seasons. Mostly it is defined by rainfall, but with rainfall comes changes in humidity and the 'net' temperature does fluctuate. This seasonality also impacts total light received by the plants (less in the rainy season - "winter"). The fluctuation in temperature is not huge, but it is enough, combined with the change in total light and the humidity, to create a season.