BLC question - Orchid Board

Leslie2934 · #1 10-14-2008, 05:58 PM

Hi all,
I was so excited that my Blc Sanyung Ruby 'Kuang Lung' had 2 blooms. Everything was fine they were emerging fromthe pod no problem. Then Sunday morning I see that the blooms have flopped over. They are not getting better, just floppier. What happened?

Brooke · #2 10-14-2008, 08:31 PM

I'm guessing nothing is wrong. Many in the catt family flop over but will reorient themselves and start standing up when the blooms are ready to open.

Brooke

dgenovese1 · #3 10-15-2008, 01:46 AM

Leslie,

Can you tell us more about your plant? Did you move it to a new location for display when you saw the blooms? If so, check for hot or cold drafts. The blooms may be blasting....I hope not.

Also, when some of the larger Cattleya blooms come out, they take a lot of water from the plant. Have you watered your Blc. lately?

Just a couple of suggestions...I hope I was helpful.

Leslie2934 · #4 10-15-2008, 10:25 AM

Hi, I guess I will have to take a picture. Yes I just watered it on Sunday and it's still moist. It's in the same spot I put it in when I got it. I do not think these blooms are going to stand up.

Leisurely · #5 10-15-2008, 07:03 PM

Sometimes the sheath, or lack of one, does not provide sufficient support for the buds when developing. Inadequate light will also cause the stem to be weak and floppy. Whatever the cause, the buds need support by using a small stake inserted in the pot and very carefully tie the flower stem to the support. The buds can break off much easier than one would think so carefully cannot be over emphasized. Twist ties or those little plastic clips made for just that will work. If you use a twist tie, don't twist it on like you would a loaf of bread but keep wrapping it around until the small piece you are putting on has been used up. There is little chance of damaging the buds this way as compared to twisting the tie. Just hope that your buds are not blasting. You can tell if they are because they loose that sheen that they have and look a little dessicated. Good luck.

Leslie2934 · #6 10-16-2008, 10:47 AM

Here is a picture of the plant.

Leisurely · #7 10-16-2008, 01:22 PM

Leslie, the buds looks healthy but sure are floppy. After seeing your picture, I believe I would just leave them alone and not support them at this point. There appears to be a sheath and maybe the buds will straighten up a bit as one of the other members said they might do.

Leslie2934 · #8 10-16-2008, 02:22 PM

Thanks Jerry, I will keep my fingers crossed.

Leslie2934 · #9 10-21-2008, 10:54 AM

Well I just thought I would update on my blooms. The sheath and the blooms are now black and the blooms are shriveling. So I don't believe I'll be getting any any flowers this time.

But there is a new leaf.

So how do I go about removing this or will it fall off on its own?
Thanks everyone for the help.

Leisurely · #10 10-21-2008, 11:08 AM

Just take a sterilized tool and cut the buds off. All they will do at this point is harbor fungus. Hopefully your new growth will reward you with some healthy buds.