Cattleya aurantiaca bloom problem

[Helen]

Hi, my C. aurantiaca has bloomed for the 1st time.
There are 3, and the middle one opened up first, then when the 2nd one opened the first one starting closing back up, now that the 3rd is opening, the 2nd one is closing. Is this normal for this variety? or, is there something else going on? I have not overwatered, I let it almost dry out before rewatering and normally do not have a problem...any help would be appreciated.
THanks
Helen

p.s. my photos have disappeared, I will post as soon as I take off my camera again!

[tansyflower]

I have one of these, and, no I didn't have this problem. I think there were 5 blooms last time, and they were all open at once, and quite long lived.

It may have gotten too dry (?)

[kasper6767]

Hi Helen I know nothing about this plant but I did find an older forum post of someone having the same poblem you are experiencing with their C. aurantiaca. So maybe it will help.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...dont-open.html

[Aceetobe]

Cleistogamy is fairly common with C. aurantiaca. Keep it for another year. If it does the same thing next year, chuck it.

[Helen]

Thanks for all the replies. The link to the old thread was very interesting indeed.
I think I figured out that I did not water it for 8-10 days not realizing that it was going to shoot up a couple of buds! After watering, the next day the blooms opened up again....not fully, but a lot better than they were.
Here's some photos if anyone is interested. The before and after watering took effect.
Thanks again
Helen