Catt Sheath

[TXorchidgirl]

Hi,

I recently acquired a catt and can see a sheath between 2 leaves, but it doesn't appear to be growing/progressing. Is this normal? Have I done something to render the sheath inactive? Any directions, tips, etc. would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[BikerDoc5968]

Pics are always helpful to address any situation. I have a catt that has a very large sheath and does not appear to have a spike inside....oh well, just a dry sheath...I've given it lots of light, good temps and food but all for naught....I'm leaving it there until it turns brown...it is still green and I'm hoping for something positive to grow....they have looked like this for a month or more...right one longer than the left

[TXorchidgirl]

BikerDoc,

Thanks so much for your reply. I have the same brown dried up sheaths as indicated in your pic. However, the lady that sold me the orchid told me to leave these alone as they may re-spike / re-grow. I'm not sure that's a true statement! The sheath that i referred to previously is a little nub (for lack of a better word) way down in the split between 2 leaves. I was SO excited thinking my orchid was spiking. Unfortunately, it's been about a month and I've seen no progress or growth. I don't know if at some point this little nub will become viable and begin to grow again??? This is my first dendrobium, so I have no idea what to expect. Perhaps, I'll try to take a pic and post it in hopes someone can answer my question.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

[BikerDoc5968]

Initially you said you had a cattleya. Your last post you said dendrobium? In my pic of the catt the green extension coming out from the leaf is the sheath wherein normally there would grow a flower spike. Normally you can transilluminate this sheath and see the growing spike and/or just feel the base and you'll note a bulging mass which is the spike. Once they turn all brown and nasty-looking that's it for that sheath and it won't flower from that site again. These pics are of 2 different dend that have new cane growth. These guys have flower spikes much lke a phal or milt or oncidium in that they don't have a sheath from which the spike will emerge.

[Royal]

I don't have lots of Cattleyas, but from what I understand BikerDoc is right about one round of blooming per mature growth. It sounds like the 'nub' is either the start of a new sheath that will mature and bloom, or where a sheath would form if the plant were blooming size. Immature growths will sometimes show a little sheath-like growth, but it won't spike unless the plant is a good size and growing well. You will be able to tell (see BikerDoc's pics) if the 'nub' elongates into a true sheath.

Dendrobiums are funny. Some will bloom on the new growths, some will only bloom on last season's bare cane. I've had the same mature cane put out a spike two seasons in a row (right next to a spike on new growth).

[TXorchidgirl]

I actually have both a catt and dend, both with the same issue. The dend is currently flowering, but has a pointed nub that I thought might be a new spike. The Catt also has a nub, but much smaller way down between the 2 leaves. Perhaps, it's just new leaf growth and I'm being overly optimistic in hoping they're spikes. Both BikerDoc and RoyalOrchids, thank you both for your responses. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience!

[BikerDoc5968]

Just a quick note to address catt new growth. it looks just like my pics of the dendrobium...that is the new growth begins at the bottom, ususally, of the most recent old PB....some people will get growth from each end by cutting partially through the "runner"