Cattleya - Cattleya Labiata Growing New Leaves in the Fall

[jhodgson]

I have a cattleya labiata that I consider to be healthy. It grew eight new leaves this summer and the sheaths are starting to show buds. The plant has two growing periods during the spring and summer. However, for the past couple of years the plant has grown a third period during the fall at the same time the plant is developing flowers. I feel this lowers the flower output since each sheath will produce only one or two flowers.

The plant does go through a rest period after the third growth matures which last until early spring when it starts to grow again.

I am open to suggestions on how to get the flower count up or get the plant to not grow for the third time during the year. Or, have someone tell me not to worry about it and enjoy the healthy plant.

[Magnus A]

Two growth is normal.
THe third is unusual but if the plant do not feel it is time to rest it will grow. It may sound bad but you probably supply the plant with too good conditions as it sets the third growth. Maybe you should try to lowering the watering when the second growth mature and force the plant into resting. Though I belive it is more temperature and light that decide when a cattleya start it´s resting period.

I should add that I am speculating and have no hands on experience of your "problem".

/M

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Good conditions produce growth. I suggest increasing the light level to stress the plant a bit. This usually will move cattleya to bloom at the appropriate time of the year. Lots of growth and few blooms usually means light levels are not strong enough. But, this is just my opinion. Congratulations on your orchid care none the less. If the buds are already developing on the first two growths then increased light might not be enough to move the third growth to flower in this blooming period, but it will bloom in the next.

cheers,
BD