Potting questions for Cattleyas

[scerdena]

My Blc King George 'Serendipity' arrived last week from Waldor orchids. My question is, should I repot it now while it has new growth, or wait until spring time? I grow my orchids in the house in a south window. This one has a curtain to filter the light.

I should probably add that I don't seem ever to get them to re-bloom. I can get lots of sheaths, but nothing ever happens to them. They always turn brown and die away.

Also, is bright light sufficient for them or do they need sun on their leaves? I don't want to burn them. Been there, done that!

I've attached 2 photos of the new orchid and one of my big guy that has needed re-potting for a couple of years. What should I do with this big guy besides re-pot? I usually use bark, but did buy a cattleya mix from re-pot me. I was thinking maybe using half of the mixture and half plain bark. Any and all recommendations are most welcome.

I love this group and probably would have thrown out all of my orchids had it not been for the encouragement and help given on this board.

Thank you everyone.

Shirley in sunny California

[johnblagg]

If you have new roots growing now then its time to repot.

As far as sheaths developing but not ever blooming maybe you need just a touch more light than they are getting ...raise it gradually but not to full sun levels I dont think unless its early morning full sun .Say before 10 am and after 6 pm maybe.

You might keep a eye on temps at their bloom season too or lenght of day at that time also.