What's up with my Cattleya's?

[Jmerk]

For the last few years, my 2 different cattleya's haven't bloomed. One has actually grown the sheath but the other just continues growing roots and pseudobulbs and such. I grow my orchids under lights (cheap florescent ones, unfortunately) so I suspect that that may be the problem, in some way, I have them on 12hr in winter, 14hr in spring/fall and 16hr in summer.

Would moving them to an east window be better?

*I can get pics if needed.

[Swamper]

Hi Jmerk, welcome to the board. It sounds like your suspicion is right, lighting usually is the culprit of non blooms. There may be other reasons but I find in my yard, if one of mine won't bloom all I have to do is move it. I'm sure evryone will love to see your pics anyway so why not.

[Jmerk]

Thanks for the quick reply Swamper. Here are a few pics:






I think I'll either move them to a window or get some better quality lights.

[Jmerk]

Oh, I just thought of something else, about how long does it take for a catt to bloom after the sheath has formed?

[Swamper]

1st, your catt looks really healthy.
2nd,When and If you do move it to a sunnier place, please don't burn it. Do it gradually. You've waited this long, you don't wanna rush it and do something radical now.
3rd, The sheath may depend on the cross of your chid. I have one now and it's taken almost 2 weeks(since I noticed it) in fact it is just getting ready to bloom today or tomorrow.

[Jmerk]

Thanks! The sheath really is puzzling me because it has been out since late August. It popped up before that new growth was even finished growing.

[Orchid126]

I noticed that my cattleyas like to be pot bound before they start to bloom. A sheath can sit there for months before showing any buds. Don't lose hope.