Cattleya, var unknown, question about canes

[Mhead01945]

I have a cattleya from Hawaii a friend gave to me several years ago.
This is in an 8" pot and it has many canes. Only the newer canes bloom with wonderful small flowers that are pale pink with rasp centers.
My problem is this:The older canes lose their leaves and do not rebloom although they are still green. What am I supposed to do with the older canes? I once read an orchid book that showed a similar plant with the cane cut up into 1 inch pieces that were used to propagate into new plants.
Any suggestions for this plant? I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.