Sheath removal question

[Helen]

Can anyone explain what they mean by peeling down a sheath? and when it is done...here is an excerpt from an article I was reading. I just need more clarification. Is this just done on cattleya's? or any pseudobulb? It would be great if someone could put this excerpt into layman's terms ...for newbies like me! (yep still a newbie after just over a year... )
Helen

EXCERPT:
"The first cultural change noticed should be a reduced frequency of watering, as the plants dry out more slowly. This is a function of both the reduced day length and lower temperatures, as well as the plants’ slowing growth rate. Reduced water needs signal a reduced need for fertilization. Note that the key word is reduced, not eliminated. Feed less frequently and at lower dosage, but feed. Growths, made during summer’s heat, and relatively soft and green, will be ripening—hardening—in preparation for a brief period of rest (in many cases).

Many of these ripening growths will have a sheath, presaging the coming winter or spring flowering season. In some cases, these sheaths will have been evident since as early as July. (Early sheath development does not mean early flowering on plants with winter-spring seasons.) You may notice that some of these sheaths are showing signs of yellowing. This is not abnormal. Autumn’s more pronounced temperature fluctuation can lead to water condensation inside the sheath, hastening the normal process of senescence, so yellowing sheaths can be left on the plant only so long before they must be carefully removed to preserve the bud primordia within. Water condensation left unchecked can rot the bud primordia. The sheaths can be safely removed by slitting open and peeling down toward the pseudobulb."

[Stasisgate]

Well i usually remove the sheaths on the mature canes or bulbs....when they turn brown. It's easier to do by getting them wet and then gently rubbing off with a soft toothbrush. I do it for cattleyas mainly.

[JennS]

Great question! I have no idea of the answer and am curious as well. I have never heard of needing to remove a sheath to preserve the bud...

[John]

I think Jenns is referring to the flower sheath not the sheath around the canes or bulbs. I have not done this but I have heard of some Japanese growers who will open the sheath and remove one or more buds in order to get a larger flower. They will do this under sterile conditions and reclose the sheath to protect the developing flower. I have just let mine do their own thing and if the growing conditions are good there probably is no problem.
John

[Stasisgate]

Oh now i see.... in that case i leave the sheaths on the plants. I don't remove them until after flowering.

My bad

[JennS]

Hummm....I guess I am starting to understand. Maybe. I had no idea anyone did that with the sheath covering the flower!

[Helen]

Thanks, yes, I am not asking about the flower/bud sheath, but the pseudobulb sheath. I would like more detailed info on exactly how this is done....and if someone could direct me to some pictures of how this is done, as I'm not sure exactly what the sheath is on a pseudobulb. Is it the tiny little one before the leaf grows? this is where I'm getting confused I think.

[Ross]

It's generally the "leaves" so quick to turn brown. I usually don't remove but pull them down to let new grows emerge undamaged. I have had certain orchids with pleated leaves, or spikes, if I didn't do some careful surgery.

[Helen]

I just found a photo of what I think they may be referring to. Do I remove the dried part of the left and right side of the new pseudobulb shoot that is dried?
Thanks again
Helen

[Ross]

I don't remove, I just pull it down. I'm that concerned about looks. I try to be sure new growths can emerge unimpeded.