Cattleya Flowers Drop...Now What?

[barry593]

Hi All,
I have a young orchid plant, a Blc. Waianae Leopard 'Ching Hua', that has flowered for the first time, only two flowers-one upside down, and the flowers are ready to drop off. Is there any type of clipping that needs to be done or any other type of maintenance? These plants are new to me(orchids) and I want to take care of them properly....Thanks!

Barry

[james mickelso]

Hi Barry. I usually cut the flower stalks off when they start looking a little droopy because I want the orchid to stop using energy for keeping the flowers hydrated. This allows for more energy to be used in bringing forth the next progeny. If the pseudobulb that has just finished flowering has new roots growing from the base and these are less than 2 inches olng, it is time to repot. Catts usually grow roots on growth that is somewhere between halfway to maturity to the stage where it has finished flowering. That is the best time to repot. My "ching hua" roots when it is finished flowering but I have seen exceptions. Can you post a couple of pics? Top of the media in the pot, pbulbs, and bottom of the pbulbs. Let us know if you need any help repotting.

[barry593]

Thanks James!
You are exactly right. The pseudobulb is growing new roots...1/2 inch long(right out the top of the pot). I had intended to repot as this plant came to me from a nursery but when it sheathed - thought better to wait. Thanks for your advise and will repot to new medium and bigger pot(very crowded now) Does this variety need winter rest? Thanks a million...you were spot on!

Barry