When can I expect my Cattleya to bloom?

[Wade Coleman]

I purchased my first cattleya back in June and at the time it had a small new growth that was forming and it has since matured to the point of being nearly the same size as the previous growth. It’s in a south facing window and is growing new roots left and right, but the flower spike inside the leaf doesn’t seem to be growing at all. I may just be being impatient because I’m so excited for it to bloom, but when can I expect a flower to start forming?

[estación seca]

It looks like a seedling or mericlone that hasn't flowered before. The most recent growth is a lot bigger than the previous ones, so you're taking excellent care of it. It might flower on this growth, or it might not be big enough yet. If this is the case it will probably flower on the next growth.

If there are flowers in that sheath - it's hard to predict how long it will take. Some Cattleyas form buds, then carry them for months before it's time to expand and flower. Others grow steadily from the time you first see them.

You do need to develop patience. Don't every be tempted to pull the sheath open just to see what's in there.

[Upstate]

What is the plant's name on the tag? Knowing the name or cross can help narrow down at least the season it's supposed to bloom. Of course, a million variables come into play, so even general blooming times may not apply to your particular plant.

And, as Estacion Seca said, opening the sheath is often inviting bad things to happen. Many cattleyas will bloom from crispy brown sheaths.

[Wade Coleman]

The names the tag says (Blc. Chunyeah X Blc. Pi Luang) ‘Tai Young’
Also, I will be sure to leave the sheath alone

[Upstate]

This variety is typically a summer to early fall bloomer. Kawamoto has sold this cross in the past, and it bloomed for them in June.

Though there are a number of exceptions, Cattleyas with yellow flowers and red lips typically follow the habit of the species Cattleya dowiana, which is a summer bloomer.

You may still get flowers this year, but the odds are decreasing with each passing day.

[Wade Coleman]

So will it just continue to grow roots and new shoots until summer comes around? If there are two new pseudobulbs by then, will they both bloom during the summer?

[estación seca]

Complex hybrids are unpredictable. Generally a Cattleya growth will bloom when mature in season. If the growth matures and it doesn't bloom at the normal time, that growth probably won't bloom in the future.

Some hybrids make a lot of growths during the growing season, then they all bloom at the proper time. Others make a growth, flower, then make another growth, flower, and so forth.

Ancestral Cattleya species have different growth-blooming schedules, and crosses wind up with timing genetic from all the ancestors.

The great majority of Cattleya hybrids, though, will make multiple growths during the growing season once they are mature enough, and the grower treats them well.

[Wade Coleman]

So I guess all I can do is wait huh? Orchids do a great job at teaching a person patience haha! But, as far as the plant as a whole is concerned, the pseudobulb growth along with the abundant root growth signifies that it’s happy and healthy?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Root health is a stronger indicator of plant health than shoot growth.

Shoot growth is a strong secondary indicator of plant health.

Your plant is likely to bloom this upcoming season. Cattleyas take time to bloom. In the meantime, maybe focus on your faster growers.

If you haven't considered this, maybe mix up your collection with orchids that are slow growers/bloomers with some that bloom pretty quickly or bloom randomly throughout the year so you don't get anxiety from waiting.

The problem with anxiously waiting for blooms can be that people tend to want to do something to speed things up. That is just not a good idea.

[Kevstar]

Originally Posted by Wade Coleman

Orchids do a great job at teaching a person patience haha!

Ain't that that truth!! I'm generally very impatient so it's been good for me! Haha!