When things go wrong !!!!!!!

[Roy]

I thought I was on a winner here, Rlc. Burdekin Storm 'Midnight', 3 sheaths set. Only 2 put up what looked like multiple buds in the sheath. It turns out that there was only one bud in each sheath & they look like this...

[Halloamey]

Roy I have seen this before. My observation and speculation is that if the temperatures go cooler and the relative humidity stays high during the last stages of bud development this occurs. I think the sheath is unable to expand and open up which causes this. I generally candle the sheath for signs of developing buds and once the buds have filled up about 60-70% of the sheath, I cut a small whole or give a small cut along the edge of the sheath, that helps to open it up and prevents such problems.

[Roy]

Amey, I know what you mean. I occasionally got this problem in my previous house years ago. As for these buds, help from the 'all mighty' wouldn't have helped, they were doomed from the start. The plant had average roots on it when I got it & I didn't help with the mix I was using at the time. The roots seem to be doing fine now but too late for this flowering.

[Roy]

To add, many/most of my flowering size plants haven't been with me for 12mths or been in the better mix for long. I believe they are still settling in. Once they go thru this winter and next summer they should be full acclimatised and ready to go.

[cdayinflorida]

It so disappointing. You don't always catch these things. Roy, I'll be waiting for the next time it blooms to view the photos...sorry

[angela]

so sorry thst this happened to what could have been beautiful blooms. If it is of any consolation to you things like this happens to all of us at some time. Right now I have a Catt. that the yellow breast attacked the sepals before the bud even burst, and spoiled the flowers. There is another sheath, with buds, coming and I am hoping the birds will let me have those.
Don't despair your next blooming will be magnificent.

[pavel]

How odd. Will the flowers still attempt to open and just be rather 'mangled' in appearance or will this be "it" for these buds. Would be interesting to find out.

[King Kjeldz]

unfortunate......plant looks healthy....ull have blooms soon....dont despair....

[Roy]

Thanks for the kind words folks. I just look at it as part of the crap year I'm having. Along with Paphs, Catts are probably an equal orchid that will find a way to let you down just when you think your set for a good showing.
The one think it can do to help is have good pollen so I can use it on something. Got a Classic white, highly awarded with buds out of sheath that appear fine atm.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

So sorry, Roy. That really isn't fun. Hopefully next go around it will bloom correctly.

cheers,
BD