Blc. Horizon Flight 'Beth' - Orchid Board

silken · #1 03-16-2012, 11:38 PM

This bloom just opened. I had two flowers on this last July but this year only one. I think I will increase their fertilizer this year although I thought they were getting enough. Any ideas to increase blooms would be appreciated.

Zoi2 · #2 03-16-2012, 11:59 PM

I love the colors, it's beautiful.
Joann

Junebug · #3 03-17-2012, 12:10 AM

Pretty flower. From your description it sounds like your plant is a multi-season bloomer and perhaps it just blooms better during Summer. Aside from the one bloom has the plant been growing well? After this flower fades you'll probably see new growths emerging, and since it's Spring there may already be new growths beginning to emerge in spite of the bloom. Spring is the optimal time to repot so in the near future you should check to see what's going on inside of the potting medium. A good time to repot a Cattleya is during Spring, shortly after roots begin protruding from the new pseudobulbs. Limit the size of the new pot if you decide to repot because "big" is not always better. You'll just need enough room for a years growth or a size that allows about an inch around the base of the bulbs. In the photo I can only see two leaves/growths. If the plant is small it probably won't need a pot any bigger than 3". Withhold fertilizer until a week or two after repotting, then resume, and you should be good to go. Your fertilizer seems to be working because your baby has already experienced 2 blooming sessions since July. Sometimes we just have to be patient. The difference in bloom count from July to March could simply be a seasonal difference.

silken · #4 03-17-2012, 02:46 AM

Thanks! I bought this last May from our society sale table. At the time it had 5 pseudobulbs and the newest had a 1 inch sheath which gave me two blooms in July. After that the new growth grew that is currently in flower. It now has a total of 6 pseudobulbs, all with leaves. It has bloomed 3 times before. So it's definitely mature! It is in a 6" pot with large CHC that had been potted in Jan 2011. So since it was recently re-potted and in sheath I didn't want to disturb it even tho I don't do well with CHC. I grow cool in the greenhouse over the winter and it often stays too wet. Plus its a large pot! But knowing that I was very careful with water and it is in there quite loose and I can see some good white roots. It's quite a sprawly plant with sprawly roots so it may need that big of a pot. I may re-pot after this bloom is done to see what's happening and change to bark. The plant seems pretty healthy and the leaves are firm and thick although the older ones twist a bit. To me this could mean a bit dry, or it could just be typical of this plant. It's possible the cool winter growing is why I got 1 bud only. A few of my orchids seemed to have less blooms this time. Not really sure why! The greenhouse has been the same for years.

tucker85 · #5 03-17-2012, 09:31 AM

Very pretty and unusual colors! I agree with Junebug. Cattleyas that are free blooming will often have a season when they bloom best. Cattleyas will also often bloom better as they get larger. The leaf looks light green which would indicate that it's getting enough light. What is your fertilizing schedule and what fertilizer do you use?

silken · #6 03-17-2012, 01:35 PM

Thanks tucker85. I like the colours and variety all in one bloom. It's under T5's in the greenhouse so it does get a fair amount of light. I just checked OrchidWiz and it is a particularly high light catt. But the leaves do indicate that is being met.
I don't have a real regular fertilizing schedule but usually fertilize when I water using either MSU or if it has a large new growth then sometimes some Schultz bloom booster and another one called Zuma. I also occasionally use a few drops of Superthrive. And then of course it gets a clean flush every now and then. So I think I sort of cover all the bases!

InspirChid1712 · #7 03-19-2012, 09:12 AM

Just my 2-cents: I fertilize with every watering at about 1/3 strength. I use a combination of MiracleGro Tomato fertilizer (18-18-21) and Grow-More (30-10-10). In late summer, or when flowering is approaching, I switch to MiracleGro Bloom Booster (15-30-15). I also throw some epsom salts in the water about once a month from spring through fall. My cattleyas seem to LOVE this routine and bloom like crazy in their seasons! (I've also been using superthrive lately... so far, so good! They are visibly growing much faster!)

silken · #8 03-19-2012, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InspirChid1712

Just my 2-cents: I fertilize with every watering at about 1/3 strength. I use a combination of MiracleGro Tomato fertilizer (18-18-21) and Grow-More (30-10-10). In late summer, or when flowering is approaching, I switch to MiracleGro Bloom Booster (15-30-15). I also throw some epsom salts in the water about once a month from spring through fall. My cattleyas seem to LOVE this routine and bloom like crazy in their seasons! (I've also been using superthrive lately... so far, so good! They are visibly growing much faster!)

I have a big jug of Epsom salts and use them occasionally but no real schedule. How much SuperThrive do you use? I also bought some Solo seaweed/MSU mix from Ray so will see what happens.