Catt's not blooming ever

[ginnyr]

thanks everyone for the excellent advice with my non-blooming dilemna!

[Ross]

I'm not convinced fertilizer is the answer since my sis blooms hers in Florida and has no clue as to things like repotting, fertilizing, etc. Whatever MaNature throws at it must be good enough and they bloom regularly. So there must be other things to consider here. I don't grow Cats, as a rule (just a Potinara and some Brassavolas) so I can't say for sure, but Sis doesn't worry about low nitrogen, high nitrogen or any of that stuff. She, basically, doesn't have a clue. Yet hers are always in spectacular bloom. Don't think any of them have ever been repotted (at least by her.)

[isurus79]

Catts (and most orchids really) most often will not bloom due to a lack of adequate levels of light. I think moving them to get some direct sun, either in the evening or morning, will do a world of good. Make the move slowly so you dont burn them and watch for signs of reddening leaves. Red/purple tinged leaves are a good thing! Red means the plant is recieving good light, while quick yellow followed by brown and black is too much light, too quick. As for fertilizing, Ross' sister is a perfect example of orchids not being as fussy as most people think. A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20 for example) is perfect for all your Cattleyas and the vast majority of orchids in general. In my opinion, bloom boosters are not neccessary and just cause a headache as you constantly change your feeding schedule to suite each plant individually! Ive been growing for half my life (Im 28) and Ive never needed bloom boosters to get good flowers. Ever! Good luck and I look forward to seeing pics of your hard earned flowers soon!

[Brookpoint]

Originally Posted by masda

Catts like a wet/dry watering programme. ten days apart seems a bit long especially if the potting mix is dry, in the warm season they should be watered twice a week. Try a bloom booster fertilizer at the start of the flowering season, if they are large plants they may require a stronger feed.

when is the cats normal blooming season?

[Manfred Busche]

Hello there.

Some time ago I saw 1000 Cattleya plants hanging side by side and none was in bloom ...
Recently I talked with an "Old Grizzly" (80) and asked him about it. He produced a wry smile and answered : " I don't get it why people can't understand that Cattleyas must have their Dry Season in order to bloom ..."
"Must have", that's what he said.
I am forwarding this to you to try to contribute. How to implement a Dry Season in your area of growth :: please discuss among yourselves ...

[johnblagg]

what kind of difference is there in the daytime and night time temps....some need a 15 "I think 15" "
degree difference in day and night and may need a period of cooler temps overall to trigger bloom cycles just as some need rest periods or dry cycles.


LOL just making conversation I guess here ....I am interested in what you find out ...

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by Ross

I'm not convinced fertilizer is the answer since my sis blooms hers in Florida and has no clue as to things like repotting, fertilizing, etc. Whatever MaNature throws at it must be good enough and they bloom regularly. So there must be other things to consider here. I don't grow Cats, as a rule (just a Potinara and some Brassavolas) so I can't say for sure, but Sis doesn't worry about low nitrogen, high nitrogen or any of that stuff. She, basically, doesn't have a clue. Yet hers are always in spectacular bloom. Don't think any of them have ever been repotted (at least by her.)

could be the difference in the temps of summer and the cooler temps of fall winter that tells them when to bloom as well as day lenght ....

As for fertilizer if they are outside they get it from nature just as they would in the wild from airborne dust and such as well as from watering and rain.