Cattleya bloom - colors washed out

[nutgirl]

Hi,

I have two cattleyas (NOIDs) that are blooming but the color intensity is very different from their previous bloom.

They both are a very pastel version of their usual selves.

Anyone else experienced this?


Maureen

[FairyInTheFlowers]

Do you remember when they bloomed last year? Was it around the same time? There are several cultural conditions that can change the look of a bloom. The temperature is one variable, so you could have a bloom in winter look completely different than the same plant blooming in the summer. Light intensity can also affect the look of the flower.

[nutgirl]

I'll bet you're right!!

This is the 3rd year I've had these and it's the first time they've bloomed in the summer. It's always been springtime before. (I was surprised when they did it this year).

They grow in my greenhouse during the summer and it's gotten hot a couple of times 100+, usually it's in the low to mid 90's. Bright indirect light all day.

Does this mean they should be grown cooler and shadier or do I just hope they bloom again in the spring with better colors?


Maureen

[glengary54]

Maureen - Next year if they start to bloom in the summer, wait until the buds are well formed and then move it to a shadier, cooler location. Intense heat can definitely affect color intensity.

[Bud]

Thats good to know, Glen..Thank You

[nutgirl]

Originally Posted by glengary54

Maureen - Next year if they start to bloom in the summer, wait until the buds are well formed and then move it to a shadier, cooler location. Intense heat can definitely affect color intensity.

Thanks Glen, that makes perfect sense.

The plants themselves are growing like weeds so they must not mind my conditions.

Maureen