Cattleya Sheath & Prosthechea growth

[Becca]

Hi again! I wanted to find out if the brown paper wrapping looking type stuff in the attached in the first and second photo is what is know as a sheath....I have read different descriptions. It used to be green and has since turned brown....I have not been growing Cattleya's long enough to experience this.

And the third and forth photo is of my Prosthechea (cochleata x garciana) that I bought from Ray a few months ago. It has a funny looking growth that I think might be a forming buds....could some one please clarify what it is? TIA!

[dennis]

on the cat yes on the other got me

[Lagoon]

Hi Bec,

The papery cover is normal to see, it's called a sarong I believe. I pefer to take mine off since moisture does get trapped. Also in peeling these off, I've uncovered many eyes.
Congrats you have buds!

[cb977]

I always remove the papery sheaths...they're the perfect hiding place for pests.

Your other 'chid has BUDS!!!

[quiltergal]

Woo Hoo! Spikeage!!

[Ray]

"Yes" and "yes".

[Dorothy]

I get these sarongs with my Brasso, laelia and catt hybrids. In a conflicting argument, I have read that taking off the sarong can impeded growth and strength of the sheath. I have also read removing it prevents bugs from hiding in between. My personal choice would be to leave it and let it dry out on it's own. I don't have mine outside so no worry of pests. As long as you have good air circulation and have it in the sun after you water it - moisture build up should be minimal.

Becca - was this what you asked me about?
Silly me, I thought you meant that the entire sheath when brown .. whew ..
No worries on that Blc

Don't be afraid to fertilize it - if your solution is 1/2 dilution to the instructions - fertilize it everytime - those pseudobulbs could use a little juicing up
The leaves look great

[Becca]

Hi D! I agree that the p-bulbs are a little shrivled....I think it is because I was affraid of over watering them and I had them at work for a while and it is just so darn dry here. But now they are in the orchidarium so hopefully things will change.....but just one other question....I was told that when a p-bulb shrivels....that it will never plump back up...is that true and is that the same for leaves as well?

[Dorothy]

I think it depends on the plant - some bounce back, some don't. I think it depends on the root system. You might want to take a peek. That might have been one I repotted so the medium doesn't need replacing.
Don't over compensate by giving it too much water now .. just get it on a steady routine and fertilize often. The plant is looking good otherwise. Hang in there with it and give it a chance to get use to it's new surroundings.
and think positive - orchids can read your vibes