Catt bud sheaths question

[Lilac]

Hi everyone I'm still in a wheelchair due to the ankle fracture and about to start physical therapy this week. But I'm gettin' there

I've been wheeling myself around the orchids to do what I can for them and I found this one Cattleya has four little buds.

My question is should I be worried about the 'sheaths' I've read so much about?

Are these buds in sheaths and should I cut them open? Or are they fine as they are? I just don't know

They are not dry,they are soft and velvety to the touch

Thanks so much for any advice you can give me.

Orchid hugs!

[Bulbofett]

The sheath is the casing around the buds. Yours is past the sheath stage and is in the bud stage. I just learned all of this recently myself with my first Catt blooming

You don't need to do anything special. Keep growing it as before. Post pics when they open!

[Orchid Whisperer]

Those buds do not have a sheath around them. If you cut anything on them, you would be cutting off sepals and petals (so don't cut!)

A sheath looks like a small, thin leaf that is hollow. Your flower spike may have sprouted from one. A growing flower spike will push its way through a sheath, so if you have a sheath in the future, you shouldn't have to cut it.

[Lilac]

Aaaah thanks Bulbofett and Orchid Whisperer!!! I'm so relieved. Now to just wait patiently for the flowers! Oh joy!

I think, not sure, but I think those are a fiery orange color with a burgundy lip. I mixed up the tags when I first repotted it. But I'm pretty sure.

Will definitely post the pics!!!

Thanks guys!

[Orchid Whisperer]

From the look of the buds, you have very few days left to wait. IMO, definitely blooming in less than a week, possibly much less.

[james mickelso]

August 13th. These are half finished. I would put something below them to help support them. When these b;loom they will be very heavy and hang down unless you give them some support. I would slide a wooden skewer under them and anchor it to the basket. Let them spike rest on it. but do it carefully.

[Lilac]

Thanks James! Will do immediately! Don't want htese to break!!! Nonono, that would be baaad! Going out now, thanks!

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by Lilac

Aaaah thanks Bulbofett and Orchid Whisperer!!! I'm so relieved. Now to just wait patiently for the flowers! Oh joy!

I think, not sure, but I think those are a fiery orange color with a burgundy lip. I mixed up the tags when I first repotted it. But I'm pretty sure.

Will definitely post the pics!!!

Thanks guys!

Not all Catts have a sheath-nice buds there! Do support them as mentioned. Feel better and send pix!

[Lilac]

Thanks DeaC! I attached a bamboo stick under the stem and I definitely will post as soon as they open!

[NYCorchidman]

As others have mentioned, those are flower buds.
You see the sheath that are just underneath these buds.

You don't want to cut the sheath because sheath serves as a support of the whole spike.
I learned this the hard way.