Lazy gaskelliana

[pjoeverett]

Three years ago I bought a couple of young plants. They look healthy and always have several new growths going on. Each plant has approx. 12 leaves 6-8 inches long, but I have yet to get a bloom. I do not have a greenhouse but we have had a sunny sunrm. this winter in Ohio. I use a little fertilizer on occ. What can I do to wake up this plant??
BTW thanks to orchid board and the suggestion of more water my Dendrobium delicatum X J. Christie.

[Optimist]

Cattleyas need a lot of light-- up to 2000 fc. A typical house gets no more than 500-800, even near a window. (I assume more in a sun room). Do you have a light meter and can you find out how much light it is getting and if it should be moved to another area in the sunroom? I believe there are apps that use a phone's camera. There may be other ways to raise the light, for instance, using reflective cloth surrounding it. I generally get my catts to bloom, when they do, buy starting to take them out side when ever it is warm. At this time of year, I would even use a cold frame with a heater in it. I live in a warmer area of the country though. Using a humidifier in the area near the orchids is useful as well, but that is mostly about flower development.

[Leafmite]

Can you put them outside in the summer in a place where they will get direct morning light?
Gaskelliana blooms on every new growth if they are happy. I think it is likely a matter of light. During our summers, the sun goes overhead so the plants in the windows don't get enough light. Putting plants outside is rather necessary if not growing under lights. When the Cattleyas are in full growth mode, fertilize once a week and add extra calcium, magnesium and iron to give them a boost, especially if we have a rainy summer. If the weather is hot and dry, you will need to flush the medium (Ohio summers are so unpredictable). I actually go pretty light with the fertilizer since I am adding the other stuff.

I gave away my two gaskellianas this past autumn because I am going in a smaller direction with the orchids but, unlike some orchids that have a reputation for being difficult to bloom, I think once you give yours more light, you will find that it will bloom quite easily. The last winter, I grew them under lights and they initiated a second round of growths and bloomed a second time (and the tops of the flowers were burned by the lights).

You will really love the fragrance.

[Optimist]

I get little stones for shrimp in the Aquarium store that are mineral/calcium/magnesium "licks" for shrimp. One in each pot of cattleyas and also paphiopetalums.

[silken]

According to OrchidWiz this needs between 2500 and 3500 fc of light. A difference between day and night temps would also help. Temps are about the same in winter but can be a tad cooler in winter and drier in late winter to early spring but not bone dry.

You don't say what kind of fertilizer you use. If it is high in nitrogen it may be promoting leafy growth. It should be a balanced one. I suspect light and possibly fertilizer could be the problem.

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by Optimist

I get little stones for shrimp in the Aquarium store that are mineral/calcium/magnesium "licks" for shrimp. One in each pot of cattleyas and also paphiopetalums.

Since I'm really bad about mixing up the ca/mg bottled stuff, this is a great idea!

[pjoeverett]

Thanks so much for helping me out. I did have my plants outside last summer in filtered sunlight esp after I sunburnt a few cattleyas leaving them set on a table. Maybe this year I should find a sunnier location. Ohhhh...for a greenhouse,room, and knowledge. Now they are in a south window soaking up what little sun there is. Thanks !!

---------- Post added at 06:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 AM ----------

I also decorate in green and I can definitely do the early morning summer sun. I do feel that I am making progress each year but lighting and sun are going to be my best friends. Here's hoping we have a warm ,sunny summer. Thanks so much. I made a note on my sheet ...sun sun sun and then fertilize.

---------- Post added at 06:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:48 AM ----------

I can certainly do that !! I do have trouble getting my paps to bloom also so I just need to have time to find a store.

---------- Post added at 06:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:50 AM ----------

I don't fertilize as much as I should. I usually use the MSU fertilizer which is higher in nitrogen. I will look for a more balanced one in my cabinet.

---------- Post added at 06:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:55 AM ----------

Thanks everyone ..somehow my responses did not appear under replies...sorry

[Leslie]

Gaskellianas start new growths as mature plants in late winter and early spring. Do not feed plants until you see new growth sprouting, esp in winter. Once these growths come, give them as much light as you can to produce a sheath. This may mean an LED or two T5s above them. Only with this strong light will a sheath appear. It will be too late to develop sheaths by the time you take them outside in May as the growths usually are done or almost matured. The growths usually mature by May/June and bloom immediately. Then root.

If they continue getting several new growths a year, I consider them NBS. Summering then outside in low shade will help them procure and store more sugars for the following season bloom, hoping to mature them.

All my gaskellianas do this annual cycle under T5s. Hope this helps?


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[pjoeverett]

Thanks so much and it always helps to know the growing patterns of the plant. Again I will make notes and try to light up the sunroom. I would just love to see them bloom. I do get new growths in the summer.

[Leslie]

Most welcome! Good luck!!


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