Sheath removal question

[John]

ok so maybe I got this wrong. I will sometimes remove the dryed covering over the bulb and canes because insects like to hide there. When I do, I just rub it loose and pull it off.
John

[Stasisgate]

I actually remove them from catts and some other generas of orchids but i wait until the sheaths are dried (not green) and wet them. Then I use a soft toothbrush to remove the sheath by gently rubbing away. The majority of these dried sheaths can be removed by just peeling away even when dried.

Just as Ross correctly said I do it to allow new growths to grow unimpeded. Also because of where I live it can get very wet at a certain time of year and the dried sheaths hold a lot of water (mostly it doesn't get time to dry out) and this encourages rot and bacterial infection.

[quiltergal]

Helen, the article you quoted is talking about Catt. flower sheaths not the dry papery sarong on the Pbulb. Sometimes the flower sheaths need to be removed or at least opened up to prevent the flower buds from rotting. I had a Laelia I had to do this to. I snipped the tippy top off very carefully and carefully pulled it apart and down.

[Helen]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Helen, the article you quoted is talking about Catt. flower sheaths not the dry papery sarong on the Pbulb. Sometimes the flower sheaths need to be removed or at least opened up to prevent the flower buds from rotting. I had a Laelia I had to do this to. I snipped the tippy top off very carefully and carefully pulled it apart and down.

Thanks Terri
I'm still not certain what you mean exactly. Doesn't the sheath kind of sit off to one side and the bud comes up the centre? I'm having trouble picturing a sheath that needs to be snipped. I guess I many not know until I have one that is trying to bloom! Oh! or are you saying it is too TIGHT? and how would you know when it is necessary, exactly?
I just found a picture and more info on a website. I will copy it in below.
Helen
sorry for these crazy questions, but my curious mind is running away with me.....

J & P Orchids - How to Bloom your Cattleya Orchid

[quiltergal]

Yep, you got it! The sheath emerges from the apex of the Pbulb, and the flower buds will develop inside the sheath. More often that not you'll see a sheath when the Pbulb matures but it won't actually develop flower buds until much later. The sheath is just a little extra protection for the new buds. Sometimes, especially in the winter, condensation develops inside the sheath and rots the buds. I've heard of people poking a pin hole, or making a tiny slit into the base of the sheath so it can drain. Others snip off the top so it can air dry. Not all Catts have a flower sheath. I have several that just pop out buds with no sheath. I have a couple that do have sheaths.

[Helen]

Thanks for the great info Terri...In looking at my Blc and my laelia, I don't see sheaths on the new shoots, but maybe there are none? anyway, I'll keep a close watch.
Helen