What are these growths called

[ArronOB]

Hi. I have growing a number (say 50ish) of small cattleya alliance hybrids, plus a few species. I have been measuring and studying their growth over the last year to try to gain a detailed understanding of how they grow. One thing I see ocassionally is a new growth from the rear of the plant which is quite distinct and different to the typical new growth which arises from recently matured pseudobulbs. I’m wondering what these growths are called, and what purpose they serve.

Just to clarify what I’m on about, the first photo below shows a typical new growth, which begins as a scale on a maturing pseudobulb. It will grow and mature as a normal pseudobulb, leaf and flower: usually a bit larger then the pseudobulb from which it arose.

The second and third photos show the other kind of new growth. It arises from the ‘backbulbs’ - opposite the growing front edge of the plant. It differentiates into two or more leaves while very small, seldom grows more than 2 or 3 inches long, and I don’t think it ever differentiates into a pseudobulb. Although there is some variety in its form, it follows a pattern that is just as predictable and consistent as the more common new growth as mentioned above.

I think they are restricted to the Cattleya alliance.

So does anyone know what these are called? What is their role? Do they have any uses (say in propagation)? Should they be removed? Just trying to understand more about how these orchids grow?

Cheers
Arron

[Optimist]

These are new growths on sympodial orchids. Do not cut them off. Look up sympodial.

[ArronOB]

Originally Posted by Optimist

These are new growths on sympodial orchids. Do not cut them off. Look up sympodial.

Ok, I looked that up. Are you saying then that the orchid is establishing another lead or branch originating in the backbulbs?

If so, then I can expect another new growth to arise from these odd little growths, and that it will be of more normal size and structure?

I’m guessing now that the reason these growths are so small and undifferentiated is because they arise from older pseudobulbs which have very little energy to contribute. Sound fair?

Thanks for your response.

[Paphluvr]

You are correct in your assesment. The new growths from these will get progressively bigger.

[ArronOB]

Ok. Thanks for the replies.

Thinking about it further, having an orchid grow out from multiple directions seems a lot more desirable then having it grow in a linear habit, straight out and over the edge of the pot. Are steps sometimes taken to encourage this type of branching ?

[estación seca]

Branching is partly a function of genetics, and partly a function of growing conditions. The better you care for them, the more likely they are to break multiple leads.