Are these growth eyes?

[nogreenthumbs]

These are on my cattleya.
I've circled the spots in red that, I think, look like they might be what are called "eyes" or "growth eyes". Then in yellow, I have a small growth that doesn't really appear to be doing anything, possibly because the tip died, but the plant is putting out 2 other new growths that are a little over 1".

And eyes are points where the plant can decide to start growing new pbulbs?

And what types of Orchids have "eyes", any sympodial orchid or only certain types of sympodial orchids or only cattleyas?

[rbarata]

The only one that I think it is still not a new growth (or an eye) is the one on the left on the second photo. All the other seem to be eyes (the beginning of a new growth, something that you already see some modification that tells you something is about to grow )

At least in my case, due to the high light levels, new growths tend to seem dead because of their colour, they turn dark purple even before they start to grow. Maybe that's your case in the first photo.

And what types of Orchids have "eyes", any sympodial orchid or only certain types of sympodial orchids or only cattleyas?

Considering an eye as the initial stages of a new growth (call it a button) all orchids have eyes. Maybe the experts can give you a clearer explanation than mine.

[nogreenthumbs]

Thanks. I thought an eye was some specific spot, that didn't necessarily have to ever grow, and I didn't think something like a Phal had those, but I think that's a very good explanation, thanks.

[rbarata]

I thought an eye was some specific spot, that didn't necessarily have to ever grow, and I didn't think something like a Phal had those...

I'm not sure but the term "eye" I think it's not a technical term or something from the botanic glossary.
The explanation I gave you is how I see it but I might be wrong or, at least, not completely correct.

[PaphMadMan]

Eye isn't a technical botanical term, but in general horticultural use it applies to any dormant or latent vegetative bud, or one in early growth, especially from a tuber or rhizome. It is more than just a point or a meristem. If you dissected one you would find complex tissues that have at least begun to differentiate and then stopped, waiting for a cue to grow. It generally is only applied to sympodial orchids because monopodials don't develop complex differentiated dormant buds like that. The growths you indicate in the pictures are all dormant eyes or the very early stages of eyes starting growth.

[nogreenthumbs]

Originally Posted by PaphMadMan

Eye isn't a technical botanical term, but in general horticultural use it applies to any dormant or latent vegetative bud, or one in early growth, especially from a tuber or rhizome. It is more than just a point or a meristem. If you dissected one you would find complex tissues that have at least begun to differentiate and then stopped, waiting for a cue to grow. It generally is only applied to sympodial orchids because monopodials don't develop complex differentiated dormant buds like that. The growths you indicate in the pictures are all dormant eyes or the very early stages of eyes starting growth.

OK, I had searched the 'Net and couldn't find much, but what I was able to find and my intuition seemed to be pointing me in that direction. Thank you

[rbarata]

Look for sympodial at wikipedia. It has a small chapter dedicated to orchids.