Mini Cats Need to Bloom

[padams2359]

In August of 2007 I purchased a few Mini Cat bag babies. The plants are very healthy and appear to be happy with lots of new growth. The only thing is that I do not see any signs of spikes. These are all in clay pots under an oak tree. I have several other varieties under there, and have gotten new growth and some spikes for last years plants. I fertilize once a month. I have a misting system run along the large branches. It runs every other day for an hour. I repotted about 3 months ago, and have used primarily an orchid bark mix due to the amount of watering that I do. I have Phalaenopsis in baskets, Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, Epidendrums, and and Oncidium that have spiked. Any ideas on what to do, or do I just need to give them more time? I have about 16 orchids under that tree. They never get direct sunlight.

[clintdawley]

Patrick

Can you post a picture of said reluctant bloomers? That can tell us a lot about culture, thanks!!

[Lizgeo]

I have a few bag baby catts too. They usually take 2-3 years to bloom. That's just my experience with them.

[wetfeet101b]

My hunch is that the plants are still too young to bloom.
But do post some pictures so we can have more information.

[Cjcorner]

Young Cattleya orchids grow slowly at first and it can be deceptive just going by a picture of how big it will be as an adult. As with most things, some orchids are mini or medium size while others get huge. When you post the picture, also post its full name. Certain catts grow to be 6-8 in's tall while a big floofie Blc. can have p-bulbs over 15 in's tall. Its all in what kind you have and such...
Connie

[padams2359]

Sorry for the delay in getting these pictures posted. It has been a little hectic around here. As you can see from the picture, they are very healthy and happy, and I am pleased with there growth in just one year. They were no where near this size, or this healthy when I bought them. If I remember correctly, I bought them as bag babies, at the end of the season for ½ price. I was willing to give it a shot at resuscitating them because they were only about $4.00. Any info you can give me on your thought would be greatly appreciated.

[padams2359]

Here are some others.

[padams2359]

These are the last of them. I have 5 mini cats in total.

[Lizgeo]

I am waiting for some of my catts to bloom, but they are smaller than yours. From the color of the leaves, I guess they need more light. Maybe oak tree is too dense and filter out too much sun?

[padams2359]

I have to do some cleaning on that tree. I will put a picture of there environment up tomorrow. I have a picture that I took last year. It is under a thread called Location, Location, Location. I have made some changes since then. It really looks nice now. It was raining yesterday afternoon when I got home.