I got a Cattleya as a gift and need help!

[Msuskie]

I received a Cattelya as a Christmas gift and definitely need some help. I am by no means a seasoned plant-grower, and am afraid I may have done damage. I definitely overwatered it in its first month of being with me - I have since backed off, but could I have done damage that can't be undone? I've had it since the end of December and it has not bloomed. The buds have gotten bigger and more color, but within the last 7-10 days the buds have drooped and now have brown spots on them. Is there any hope?

[busybee]

I am not a big expert in cattleya, but i will say that you need to water less when the cattleya is in bud and also you need to let the medium dry out between watering.

[trdyl]

As far as the brown spots go, it could be normal pigmentation or something else. Could you post a picture of the buds with the brown spots? If they are getting bigger that is a good sign. As far as the dooping that can be normal. Also if it has a tag with a name on it such as Slc. Jewel Box, what is it? As busybee mentioned the medium needs to dry out between waterings for good root health unless it is growing in semi-hydroponics which I doubt.

[dounoharm]

catts definatly need to dry out completely before watering again....but water them good when you do water them.....you may not have killed your buds, give em time, orchids are slow growing plants which is why they are so delightful! gl