Is this a sheath on my Brassia?

[judith_arquette]

I was just recently educated about the existence of sheathes (the joys of being a noob lol). During an inspection I noticed this growth coming from the center of one of my Brassia's pbulbs. Dare I hope?

[Ordphien]

Brassias don't make sheaths.
No... That's the top of the psuedobulb. They tend to make nubbins up there.

Brassia spikes come from between the leaves at the base of the psuedobulb.

[judith_arquette]

Thanks for the info!

[Optimist]

The oncidium type orchids have the spike come from the bottom of the bulb usually protected by a bottom leaf. When the p-bulb is young it has more bottom leaves. It is thinner than a phal but also mitten shaped. I'm not sure whenn brassias bloom, but most of my oncidium alliance plants bloom after the fall. You give it a chill down october to november sometime, and they will start spiking and. flowering around december to early spring.

Sheaths are on the cattleyas. This is all I know because I'm still learning too. Mine also seem to grow in the winter, but I have one with a sheath now. Good old pink empiress seems to be a good producer. Do brasovolas have sheaths? Anyone know?

[james mickelso]

Yes, brassias spike sheathless from between the lower leaf and next one up. They make small leaflets on the top once in awhile. My big brassia is in bloom now. Had a spike with 8 blooms and now has another spike with 7 blooms. These usually bloom summer/early fall. Mine is a Rex "Sakata". They can be pretty impressive if grtown properly. Mine had three spikes two years ago which had 12/12/15 flowers on it. It went downhill somewhat after my recent move. But it has 5 new pbulbs on it so next year will probably be very good. Keep it damp but not real wet. Don't let it dry out especially if hot.

[Optimist]

Brassias are really pretty. Good to know summer blooming!