cracks in cattleya psudobulbs - Orchid Board

DeAnne · #1 03-09-2008, 10:42 PM

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 · #2 03-10-2008, 03:58 AM

????
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 · #3 03-10-2008, 10:33 AM

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 · #4 03-10-2008, 11:10 AM

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 · #5 03-10-2008, 11:44 AM

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 · #6 03-10-2008, 12:22 PM

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 · #7 03-10-2008, 11:47 PM

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 · #8 03-11-2008, 12:04 AM

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 · #9 03-11-2008, 09:42 AM

DeAnne - Congratulation on your orchid award

How wonderful

That cattleya is stunning