Cattleya Leaves - Normal?? - Orchid Board

ces797 · #1 08-23-2010, 12:10 AM

Hi There

One of my catt's "blc hsinying catherine hakucho" is doing quite well throwing up numerous new leads and for the most part seems to be doing quite well.
I acquired it over a year ago stuffed to the gills in a 4" pot with decaying bark in it. I repotted to this 5.5" clay pot with coconut husk, charcoal & perlite mix right after I got it. Everything has been going well but I'm just wondering is it normal that the newer growth leaves are not as wide as the older growth? You can see in the pictures the newer leaves are almost an inch smaller in width than previous growth leaves. Wasn't sure if these guys will get bigger or if this is a sign that I'm doing something wrong. Would appreciate any help

Thanks
Curtis

Stitzelweller · #2 08-23-2010, 09:52 AM

Curtis, Your plant looks good. Don't worry.

Gin · #3 08-23-2010, 10:33 AM

Good looking plant ! no worries ..

tuvoc · #4 08-23-2010, 10:49 AM

Smaller growths sometimes happen after repotting. All should be back to normal on the next growth. As the others said, your plant looks good.

Kim

ces797 · #5 08-23-2010, 11:10 AM

Thanks guys

I wasn't sure because I read something somewhere about newer leaves being smaller means that there could be root problems so I wasn't sure

Oscarman · #6 08-24-2010, 02:15 AM

Your plant does loook great. Is it receiving the the same amount of light, watering and fertilizer?

Rosiefuture · #7 08-24-2010, 02:23 AM

Hi Curtis, I read on the OB somewhere that if an orchid is getting plenty of light it might grow smaller leaves. If it needs more light it grows larger leaves for the leaf surface to absorb more.

So perhaps it's happy with where you have it and it was in lower light before you got it?

Marion

Stitzelweller · #8 08-24-2010, 06:27 AM

Marion,
That applies to Phalaenopsis. I'm not certain about Cattleya though....

ces797 · #9 08-24-2010, 10:18 AM

It's actually been outside all day/every day since May so it's definitely getting enough light. I try to water regularly but I always err on the dry side and I am fertilizing about 3 x per month

dounoharm · #10 08-24-2010, 10:49 AM

your catt looks real good, and is that a couple of sheaths i see? if so, you are def on the right road, and i wouldnt worry....enjoy!