Rlc. EZO Robin's Magic getting ready to bloom?

[MACH5]

I noticed a few days ago, that a sheath may be forming in the plant's newest growth. As far as I can tell, this plant has never bloomed before. This is exciting for me since it would be the first time an orchid will bloom under my care. I have giving it sun, fertilizer and even water it with distilled in the hopes that it will flower I do undestand though, that just because a sheath may be forming, it does not necessarily mean it will actually bloom. But I remain hopeful

The pics below are of the plant and the close ups show the tiny sheath just peeking through the leaves. Not sure whether this is also a good indication of flower buds to come but the girth of the new pbulb is substantially greater than the older ones.











Thanks for looking and please let me know what you think.

[MACH5]

BTW this is what the flowers look like in this orchid. I pulled this pic from the net.

[WhiteRabbit]

Looks very happy!

[dounoharm]

yep looks like an itty bitty sheath forming, gl with the buds, and i hope it flowers for you soon!! good growing!!

[MACH5]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Looks very happy!

Yes it does right? It's been fun thus far watching this plant grow

Originally Posted by dounoharm

yep looks like an itty bitty sheath forming, gl with the buds, and i hope it flowers for you soon!! good growing!!

Ok thanks! I am praying that it does

[MACH5]

Here is an update of this plant. Looks like the flower buds are progressing slowly but nicely. A sheath never formed, the flower spike just came out of in between the leaves.

[silken]

Very nice and the plant looks so healthy and spotless!

[MACH5]

Thank you Silken! Let me ask. Looks like there are 4 buds which I'm guessing will translate to four flowers? If that's the case, is it normal for a spike to have "just" four buds or could I increase the number by doing something different?

[silken]

I think 4 buds is awesome! It really depends on the genetics of that particular hybrid. I have had lots of Catts bloom only 1 or 2 buds. A first bloom can be weaker also. The plant looks lovely so you may be giving it everything it needs. If this variety typically puts out way more buds, then you could consider increasing your phosphates (middle number) or decreasing the nitrogen (1st number) when you start to expect it is ready to grow a spike. Also give it maximum light that it can tolerate might help. I'm no expert on cattleyas so someone else might have some advice. But I would be pretty pleased with 4 healthy blooms!

[silken]

I just looked this up in OrchidWiz and the two awarded plants that were listed did show an average of 7 or 8 blooms per spike. So there is potential for more on this plant. However, keep in mind, these were awarded plants so are the best of the best pretty much and if this is a first bloom, next year could be more productive. Just keep the roots real happy and lowering nitrogen which in turn increases the ratio of phosphate prior to the spike actually showing will possibly encourage blooms and more of them.