Cut the sheath on catts? Thoughts, pro's & cons~

[JackiePS]

Hello all!
I'm wondering what your thoughts are on cutting the sheath (to enable the buds to push through easier). It seems to be an area of debate and I'm not sure how I want to handle it. I would love some feedback from the veterans

[orchidlady]

For me it depends on the situation. If it looks like the buds are going to have a hard time coming through (sheath is twisted or deformed) then I cut. If not I generally leave it alone. Also, sometimes they just come through and surprise-there are some buds I didn't see coming .


Susan

[Tednz]

I have one that if I do not cut the sheath it allways rots but it is the only one.

[JackiePS]

I'm leaning towards letting nature take it's course. I am experiencing my first 'sheath pregnancy' (Hawaiian Passion Mutant 'Lake View Pink Lip') so it's very exciting! Looks like it might be a good amount of buds too! I keep taking photos, trying to capture the translucency of the sheath so that I can post a pic and let everyone see the inside (for feedback) but I'm no photographer! I wonder if it would work better if I turn the flash off.... I would welcome advice on that as well...lol!

[78Terp]

I have helped flowers open so why not give a nudge to a sheath? It's better than losing it and being frustrated IMO.

Yes turn off the flash and put a light source on the backside of the sheath. A small flashlight is enough light.

[Carolla]

I wouldn't be in too big a hurry to cut the sheath though, I'm sure it protects the buds as they form. Personally, if they seem to be having trouble getting out, then I'd give them a hand, but otherwise I prefer to leave them alone.

[JackiePS]

I have helped flowers open so why not give a nudge to a sheath? It's better than losing it and being frustrated IMO.

Yes turn off the flash and put a light source on the backside of the sheath. A small flashlight is enough light.

What do you mean that you've 'helped flowers open'? In what way? Please explain Harvey!
Oh and I did get the picture to work. Posting now. I just took them a while ago while the sun was strong enough to prevent the flash from coming on.

---------- Post Merged at 01:09 PM ----------

Buds in my Hawaiian Passion Mutant Lake View Pink Lip







Now you can see what I'm dealing with and offer your advice based on THIS sheath! I'm so afraid of pissing it off....lol!

[78Terp]

I have had petals and sepals that didn't split on their own so I would help them along. Often allowing the flower to open fully.

Until the sheath is full (the buds all the way to the top of the sheath, I wouldn't do anything. Let it show you if it will push thru it on its own or not. If it doesn't, I would give it a hand.

Looks like 5 buds to me!

[JackiePS]

I have had petals and sepals that didn't split on their own so I would help them along. Often allowing the flower to open fully.

Until the sheath is full (the buds all the way to the top of the sheath, I wouldn't do anything. Let it show you if it will push thru it on its own or not. If it doesn't, I would give it a hand.

Looks like 5 buds to me!

That's pretty much what I was thinking! I also counted 5 so *fingers crossed*! I cannot wait to see this baby in bloom! It's one of my very first catts (from Kawamoto)

[Carolla]

Awesome! I agree, its not nearly far enough along to do anything to. You could be waiting a while on it, but it looks great, so here's hoping!