How to make easier the awaking of sleeping eyes? - Orchid Board

Intruder · #1 01-06-2009, 10:24 AM

The sleeping eyes on the bottom of the cattleya's pseudobulbs do not give still inevitably new leads the following year. (sometimes there are two on the pseudobulb base and only one develops) Do you know a trick to provoke the awakening of these sleeping eyes? The objective being to increase the flowers number in one pot.(sorry for my english but for me, a little tricky to explain). Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.

amyqofu · #2 01-06-2009, 11:51 AM

For one answer, read this article which begins on the "home" page.

"Training" Catteya's to improve form and save space

AHAB · #3 01-06-2009, 04:41 PM

try this link to keiki pro:
KeikiPro
AHAB

AHAB · #4 01-06-2009, 04:43 PM

this page specifically look at the last paragraph:
Keikipro ™

AHAB

isurus79 · #5 01-07-2009, 03:57 AM

While Ive never read the home page article on Catts, I do know that you will have chop your plant to make it grow faster. The easiest way is to cut off your next new growth when it starts growing. You will most likely 2 or 3 new leads (growths) as a result.

The other way is to cut the rhizome (stem) near the backbulbs. Cut the rhizome leaving at least 3 mature bulbs on the front half and 3 on the back half. Stick a name/species tag in the cut an leave it. Do not remove any bulbs or mess with the plant in any other way. You should get several new growths on the front half and several new growths on the back bulbs. Leaving the plant in the same pot will make your new 2 plants look like one and voila! A specimen plant!

Ray · #6 01-07-2009, 08:45 AM

I have used the "cut the rhizome" technique myself, but be aware that if you do that, the plant will not be eligible for judging.

Intruder · #7 01-07-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

I have used the "cut the rhizome" technique myself, but be aware that if you do that, the plant will not be eligible for judging.

Effectively Ray, I agree, this is not this type of response that I am waiting. I am not sure (this why I have asked the question), but it seemed me to have read on forum that the scratching of a sleeping eye could start its development. And...what about the use of gibberilins?