Cattleya double sheath question

[Cjcorner]

Awhile back, when Margarita and I went shopping...she kindly allowed me to be the lucky one to get the huge Cattleya Maxima with tons of sheaths. I've noticed little progress, although I could see something inside the sheaths. I sliced three sheaths today and inside each is a smaller sheath. What's up with this and how do I make this thing bloom? Do they need really high light? Lots of fertilizer? Help? Have I done something wrong?

[clintdawley]

Connie,

Mine forms double sheaths and it about to bloom for the second time this year. It bloomed in the spring if you want to search for it on this board. It takes about 3-4 weeks after you see the double sheath to find the buds. Patience, my friend.

[Cjcorner]

Connie,

Mine forms double sheaths and it about to bloom for the second time this year. It bloomed in the spring if you want to search for it on this board. It takes about 3-4 weeks after you see the double sheath to find the buds. Patience, my friend.

I'm a fabulous patient...just ask my doctors! But to be patient for a catt to bloom?? I do try...

Is there any special instructions?? So I don't kill things? Should I cut open all the main sheaths?

[margo]

Oh...... I know which one you are talking about... (don't forget we are trading when you repot...)
Catts do need their time to bloom and I wouldn't touch the sheaths yet... Make sure you don't overwater it!!!

[Ron-NY]

I never cut Sheaths

[clintdawley]

Ron is right...hacking open the sheaths is not a good idea as it can cause the tiny young buds to abort. When the buds are getting larger, however, I do often open the sheaths up because for me sometimes the buds get hung in the sheath and start to deform.

Keep up what you are doing. I am sure you will probably have flowers by November/December.

I'm a fabulous patient...just ask my doctors! But to be patient for a catt to bloom?? I do try...

Is there any special instructions?? So I don't kill things? Should I cut open all the main sheaths?

[Lizgeo]

Is double sheaths genetic or caused by culture? I have some new catts that having double (I even think it might be triple) sheaths now. I was so happy to see something through the first layer of sheath, only to find out that it is just another sheath inside of it.

[Cjcorner]

Liz; I'm not sure about the genetic part...but I do know it's frustrating as all get out!

[dkknyte]

Connie,
Just just need some time and patience.. Some of my catts will have a sheath developing for as much as six weeks..

I notice the iwanagara has a double sheath while some others are single .. Single sheaths are good- at least you can see progress if you hold to the light but still does not help with the waiting game...


Hang in there

Arkley

[cdayinflorida]

warneri produces double sheaths as well. I have a photo of mine somewhere. The light was just right when I photographed it ....and it showed both sheaths.

Found the photo