Sophronitis (Cattleya) cernua blooming

[Germinatorman]

I have a S. cernua that blooms for me each time a new growth gets about half complete. This happens 3 or 4 times a year. One new lead each time. So I would like to get multiple leads going at the same time so I get more blooms at one time. Do you think it is a culture thing, an issue with a young plant, or just the way it goes. I have seen plants with many new leads at a time.

[Dorsetman]

I saw this plant at Bournemouth Orchid Society Xmas lunch meeting last Saturday and snapped it on my smart-phone. Added to my wish list too.
I cannot quite make out the state of the bulbs, but can see what looks like an incomplete growth. I hope this helps ?

Apologies if it seems that I am taking over your post , but just trying to be helpful. If you want me to delete , just say the word !

[Arne]

Your plant is probably just too young to start putting out multiple growths.
Before I got my plant about 10 years ago, I had read that S. cernua is a plant that spreads quickly. That was definitely not true for the young plant which just grew one pseudobulb at a time during the first 2-3 years (it seemed forever at the time). Then it started putting out two growths one year and since then it did indeed spread quickly. Each pseudobulb will reveal a bunch (2-7) of buds when the leaf "unfolds" so, yes, the pseudobulbs will continue maturing during blooming until the flowers have wilted.

I guess you only need patience. Other than that, give it water frequently and a lot of light. It is not a cold-grower.

[Germinatorman]

I believe the plant pictured belongs to Roger of Roger's Orchids (YouTube). This is the plant that got me thinking of why mine as only putting out one set of lead and blooms at a time! This one is a real beauty! Thanks.

---------- Post Merged at 10:34 AM ----------

Arne,
Patience, patience, patience........ Not my best attribute. I appreciate your confirming my suspicion of number of leads produced relative to age. Mine sits under lights in my tropical fish room - lots of light, warmth and humidity! Thank you for your response.
Don

[Dorsetman]

I thought it was Roger’s plant. So now you know, Roger is another Dorset-man...not quite a neighbour, he lives at the western end of the county, i live at the other end.

[Sheryl]

Wow you three have made me a fan! I love this and Arne's is great too!