No flower

[mchhuang]

Why does this keep growing new pseudobulbs but no flower?

Also, why does the roots grow upwards?

[SouthPark]

Roots growing upwards is no problem. The main thing is those roots just stay nice and alive - just like that.

If you mention how much light the orchid gets, and for how long during a day ----- then it could provide come clues. For example - generally, if the amount and duration of light per day is not enough, then the orchid could just keep developing bulbs and not produce flowers. Or at least, it lowers the probability/chance of producing flowers for each new bulb.

But ----- just from the look of it ----- I wouldn't be surprised if it develops flower buds on the next bulb or two.

Also - some orchids may require some condition or events to increase spike forming processes - such as temperature changes of a certain amount.

Does this orchid grow indoor or outdoor?

[Fairorchids]

The plant looks decent, but also like it lacks 'a little something'. The pseudobulbs appear a little too thin to my eyes, and possibly not quite tall enough (I know Trick or Treat, but not the other parent, so these observations are speculative).

Cattleyas can tolerate a surprisingly wide range of light conditions, but at the lower end they do not flower well (or at all).

They also do better with more water & fertilizer than most growers realize. If the plant is in a mix with 1/2" nugget size (so it drains rapidly), I recommend re-watering it before it actually dries out.

[camille1585]

What kind of light is it getting? How are you generally caring for it? I'm thinking the same as FairOrchids, it might simply need a bit more of everything (light, water, food...)

[Shadeflower]

when we first get orchids and need to repot them they could be stressed for a while. It's not uncommon for them to grow smaller then usual bulbs as a result.

So I think it is important to ask how long you have had this orchid for? One season of too small growth after getting it imported (for example) should be expected. If you are lucky the plant will experience minimal adjustment stress to your new environment but that is not always the case.

If you look after the Orchid well and provide the care mentioned in the previous posts then in time it should grow bigger an thicker bulbs that are able to flower.

What will help with this is warmth during the day but also a drop in temperatures at night so the Orchids don't lose the energy they have stored up during the day. Warm nights means the plants lose energy, cold nights helps the plants store energy.

The more light, the more energy can be produced, this can be achieved with either stronger light or longer light hours but one should always watch out to not burn leaves so gradual small changes with regular observations. Leaves tend to turn slightly purple before they burn.

The season will play a role to get Cattleya's to flower too although if you don't use artificial lighting then that is not really important as the sun automatically gives the right signals the plant needs to flower but the wrong lighting can affect the plant adversely, sometimes moving it to a new window spot can help find a place it prefers

[estación seca]

I don't think it's large enough to flower yet. Also, notice the linear wrinkles along some of the leaves? It's not getting enough water.

Many orchids send roots out in all directions. It's normal.

The plant came originally from Sunset Valley Orchids. If you go to their Web site, look near the top for a link to cultural information. Read Fred Clarke's recommendations for growing Cattleyas.

[mchhuang]

You guys are super helpful. The sun and energy thing makes sense.

I’ve had this for 2 years now I think, acquired at Pacific Orchid Expo ( hope we can go again some day). Been in the same pot which I transplanted for at least a year.

Grown indoors at a north east facing window in Northern California. Indoor temp around 65-75 degree year round. In summer gets about 5 hours bright sunlight and another 5 indirect sunlight. Water once every 2 weeks ish, sometimes I mist them because it’s dry here.
Im going to move my cattleyas outdoor under a shade cloth since it doesn’t get that cold at night now. Just worry about getting too hot in those 100 degree days.

Do dendrobium or cattleya need more light? Or about the same?

[SADE2020]

Cats can handle some sun, but in your case don't do it, fix first the basic. For Demd no direct sun. I think you can just set them below that shade clothes in your picture without direct sun and make sure to water enough and that air circulation is enough if is going to get really warm.

You have a lovely set-up!