Cattleya bloom bends and face downwards.

[Jeremy T]

Hi,

I bought a few Cattleyas for my mom over a year ago and they have finally bloomed. I am wondering what would be the cause for the "peduncle/pedicel" to bend forward/down instead of straight up so that the bloom would look nice?

Please look at the pics. They are Pink Empress and "Salmon Queen". was it because the bloom was too heavy or the plant did not get enough water/nutrient prior to bloom?

Thank you.

[SouthPark]

Normally the spikes are supposed to be upright.

Just monitor the shape of the stalk in future, to see at what stage or point during the development at which they begin to bend.

The pink empress sheath appears to be bent right over.

Could maybe also monitor the humidity and temperature range. And whether it occurs with other catts in your growing area.

For a temporary fix - could take the pots down from where they are currently hanging, and use a stake/thick skewer to prop up the flower spike ...... carefully.

[ArronOB]

Is there a lot of light reflected off the floor?

[Jeremy T]

Originally Posted by ArronOB

Is there a lot of light reflected off the floor?

No, not that I am aware of. The floor is actually sand (pretty moist) and its in the shadow all the time.

[Ray]

Insufficient turgidity from under watering?

[DeaC]

Perhaps some nutritional deficiency that would otherwise benefit that specific flower structure?

[Roberta]

I find that sometimes I just have to add some support to flowers, especially the larger, heavier ones. A wire stake if I can or some of that garden velcro wrapped around the base of the leaf to also support the stem.

[SouthPark]

Can also see what happens with the catts (if any) that aren't hanging - such as catts sitting in pots of benches etc.

Maybe it's the heat trapped at the top of this plant-house that is making the stalk bend over - or something.

Also assuming that nothing (eg. an animal etc) had come along to bend or topple those spikes/stalks during development.

Roberta's recommendation is great. When the spike develops - could use a stake/wire etc .... to keep the spike upright.

[Diane56Victor]

What about a calcuim - magnesium supplement? Ive read this can help to support the plant by strengthening cell structures.
St Augustine Orchid Society have a good article about this.
Ive also heard comments by people who have used it and were happy with the overall results.
Unfortunately it probably wont help the current blooms but will strengthen the plant for the following blooming season.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Ray

Insufficient turgidity from under watering?

A definite possibility. That could be it.