Cut the youngest pbulb of a catt

[rbarata]

What will probably happen?
My intuition tells me it will grow a new one.
Am I correct?

[Fairorchids]

Each pseudobulb has multiple 'eyes' (3-5), each of which can produce a new growth. Normally only 1 or 2 become active (though one of the others might become active a year or two later).

If you break off an active new shoot, the pseudobulb will normally produce another one from one of the other initially inactive 'eyes'.

[ArronOB]

Originally Posted by rbarata

What will probably happen?
My intuition tells me it will grow a new one.
Am I correct?

Recently did this and it grew not one but two new ones - one from each side of the stump.

These new growths still had plenty of time to mature within the growing season.

This did make me wonder. With a young plant, would it be a good strategy to deliberately cut the first new growth off when it’s quite small. Then it produces two leads not one, which gives me a denser plant more amendable to pot culture - less inclined to grow straight out of the pot.

Just like a shrub that has become leggy, we trim it back and let it thicken up.

[estación seca]

They don't usually produce 2 new growths after cutting off the first. I would think it risky unless you have excellent growing conditions year-round. Those eyes in reserve may keep the plant alive some day.

[Leafmite]

It sometimes depends on the Cattleya. Is it one that begins growing new pseudobulbs just once a year on a strict schedule or is it one that sends out new flushes of growth multiple times a year? How large was the pseudobulb that was cut off?

Most Cattleyas will develop another eye. I have one that is doing this now (During shipping, the current psuedobulb was damaged by the cold and had to be removed). Some of those large, traditional corsage orchids that have a definite schedule and bloom just once a year might wait until next year if the time for sending out new pseudobulbs has passed.

[WaterWitchin]

I've cut a young pbulb quite a few times. Mostly to keep them from "rambling" in an unexpected direction on a mount. (As in, I should have paid more attention and likely could have redirected it if caught earlier.) Especially with some of my Blc. They sometimes really want to go places I can't tolerate... as in can't latch onto a background I've got one hanging from. Or another mount too close by. No ill effects.

Because I'm curious, what was your purpose in cutting it?

[rbarata]

Because I'm curious, what was your purpose in cutting it?

My Laelia (now Cattleya) tenebrosa has a spot on its new pbulb. I'm not sure if it's water trapped inside the sheath or something else.
I'm thinking ahead and, if necessary, I'll cut the pbulb without worrying losing the plant.

Some photos:









---------- Post added at 06:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:41 PM ----------

Maybe I must remove the sheath...well, I already opened it a little but stopped because it's not really dry.

[Leafmite]

Yes, remove the sheath immediately (and very carefully). Gently split the sheath and tear it off. Then take a swab, dip it in isopropyl alcohol and dab it on sheath.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Yes, remove the sheath immediately (and very carefully). Gently split the sheath and tear it off. Then take a swab, dip it in isopropyl alcohol and dab it on sheath.

I'm not sure if I understood correctly...do you mean remove it completely or just open it?

And should I dab the sheath or the pbulb?

My interpretation is to open the sheath to avoid contact between the affected area and the pbulb. Then the alcohol on the sheath is to make it dry faster. Am I correct?

---------- Post added at 10:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 PM ----------

Done! I hope...

As the sheath is not dry yet I couldn't remove it completely (the inner layer is still covering the pbulb).
And there's some spots already affecting the pbulb.
Now I think I will change it's environment: lower HR and increase air flow.
Too bad next days won't be sunny.

[No-Pro-mwa]

It must have gotten water trapped in there. Hopefully it will dry up. You can send some of that humidity my way.