Healthy Cattleya-Never bloomed

[Cookiemonster]

Hello everyone,
A little while ago I had purchased some cattleyas- and two of them grow like they are on fire- very healthy, but realized they have never bloomed they are in 6-8inch pots so they are mature size, the foliage is the standard cattleya green not too light, not too dark.
Any ideas- cause im dumbfounded and would like to hve some idea whats going on.

Thanks
Suzie

[kiki-do]

I don't have any answers for you, but I can relate. I have three in huge size pots that have bloomed at one point before I bought them, but they won't perform for me and it's been well over a year. So I will hang in here and listen for any good advice you get.

[peeweelovesbooks]

more light, maybe? I just moved my catts outside and one is going to get 2 new flowers!!! It hasn't bloomed in almost 2 years--my first catt!!!

Anyway not to hijack your thread, but maybe more light would help.

[InspirChid1712]

It seems that you live in Phoenix, so I doubt that light is the problem. Are you giving the plant enough water and fertilizer? I feed mine 30-10-10 at 1/2tsp. per gallon every other watering while they are actively growing, and then switch to a bloom booster at the same strength and frequency when the new growth becomes mature. Could you post photos of the plants?? I also find that they like to be packed really tightly into their pots with really coarse bark. I would love to see pics and help you out! best of luck!

[camille1585]

You could also try adding some epsom salts to the water. Apparently it helps boost orchids into blooming and leads to better blooms. It's worth a shot I think!

[kavanaru]

Which Cattleyas do you have?

[Gin]

Info. on the parents (background) would help . I have a couple of hybrids with nodosa or other species that like higher light close up ,they need more light to bloom even tho they are hybrids .

[Cookiemonster]

Hey guys!
Thanks for trying to help me out
two plants are:

C. Mary Lynn McKenzie
C Fabled Peak x C. Malworth Orchidglade

I should also mention I've had em about 7 months- but i know i get enough light to burn just about anything lol

[beezermommy]

Originally Posted by Cookiemonster

Hello everyone,
A little while ago I had purchased some cattleyas- and two of them grow like they are on fire- very healthy, but realized they have never bloomed they are in 6-8inch pots so they are mature size, the foliage is the standard cattleya green not too light, not too dark.
Any ideas- cause im dumbfounded and would like to hve some idea whats going on.

Thanks
Suzie

I also have 1 or 2 cats that although they are green and healthy, they do not flower. Are you fertilzing them enuf? Try a bloom booster fertilizer. Have you repotted, maybe the medium is gone and it needs to get more roots. Move to another location.

Good luck!

[SP2340]

Yeah, I'll second giving them more light