cracks in cattleya psudobulbs

[DeAnne]

what could be causing catt psudobulbs to develop vertical cracking? first time I have seen this. The plant is very healthy, with really fat bulbs. this is only happening on the newest growths.

[Magnus A]

????
Are there cracks in the actually psudobulb or is it the protecting sheat around it that cracks? Never seen cracked psudobulbs! Can you post a picture?
/M

[minicatt]

i have seen this occasionally. I think it's due to rapid expansion of the psuedobulb, perhaps due to heat or some other factor.
I wouldn't worry about it....
Peter.

[tuvoc]

I've had this happen to some of my catts. Not sure what causes it, but I never seemed to do any damage. I agree, don't worry to much.

Kim

[Dorothy]

I have the same occurrence on my Iwan. Apple Blossom (Cattleya hybrid) .. and it hasn't caused any problem for the plant .. it's just bursting with happiness

[Ray]

It's often caused by rapid growth in an insufficiently humid environment, allowing the outer surface to "toughen up" a bit prematurely.

As far as I can tell, it is purely and aesthetic issue.

[DeAnne]

OK I'll relax. this catt is one of the ones from stewarts that you advised me on. I posted a picture of it (not the cracks) in member galleries. This was registered with a cross name of Pamela Saxton. I took it to the Mount Baker orchid Society Show which was a AOS judged show. To my great surprise it won a AM/AOS . The clonal name is Dee's Delight.

[DeAnne]

Thanks for the info. I had removed the bulb sheaths a few days before, and the greenhouse received that elusive Seattle thing, SUN. I guess they got happy and sucked up too much water too fast and cracked. DeAnne

[Dorothy]

DeAnne - Congratulation on your orchid award
How wonderful
That cattleya is stunning