How do you know when there will be a sheath?

[CR7cristiano]

With that said your telling me that they have not classified any or the majority of the hybridized cattleyas? The facts disagree with this suggestion. Unusual behavior yes, but the majority have been classified in a group for the most part.

[NYCorchidman]

No, you are not understanding.
I didn't mention about classification of cattleyas, which by the way as with many other things in science seem to change around often.

Anyways, what I was saying is that hybrids being made of a few different groups of plants may at times produce odd number of leaves instead of making a fixed number of one or two all the time, becuase of the very reason that they are made up of a few different things.

And the fact that I see this happening quite common on healthy specimens that are professionally grown actually goes directly against your suggestion that it is due to the poor culture.

Also, as I mentioned in one of my older posts under this thread, I have had oncidium hybrids ( that belong to the same genera) make two leaves or three leaves under my care (grow and bloom well) and at nursery visits.
How can you say this is due to poor culture. It could be that number of leaves produced atop pbs is really not a fixed characteristics always.

[CR7cristiano]

Oh I get you. I agree then. There is a typical growth pattern but over time they do have uncharacteristic growth behavior within the crosses sometimes.

[isurus79]

Guy, don't forget that the plant in question is a Laelia purpurata and therefore not typically subject to having two leaves on mature growths not matter the cultural conditions.

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Guy, don't forget that the plant in question is a Laelia purpurata and therefore not typically subject to having two leaves on mature growths not matter the cultural conditions.

Was that directed at me or NYorchidman? Because that was my initial argument that a classified bifoliate or unifoliate is classified as such for their characteristics.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by CR7cristiano

Was that directed at me or NYorchidman? Because that was my initial argument that a classified bifoliate or unifoliate is classified as such for their characteristics.

Both (in a friendly way of course)! For this specific plant, looking at it as a unifoliate is the classification that we should use. NYC does also have valid points about looking at crosses and their growth patterns with respect to their heritage and making a judgement about what is "normal" for the plant. However, you (CR7) also have valid points regarding growth patterns of plants with respect to cultural conditions.

But for Rosie's specific question, we should focus on the fact that this plant had a rough year in 2011 and it is most likely cultural factors that lead to the misshapen sheath, leaf and narrow p-bulb. Just my

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Both (in a friendly way of course)! For this specific plant, looking at it as a unifoliate is the classification that we should use. NYC does also have valid points about looking at crosses and their growth patterns with respect to their heritage and making a judgement about what is "normal" for the plant. However, you (CR7) also have valid points regarding growth patterns of plants with respect to cultural conditions.

But for Rosie's specific question, we should focus on the fact that this plant had a rough year in 2011 and it is most likely cultural factors that lead to the misshapen sheath, leaf and narrow p-bulb. Just my

*Screams* Thats what i said from the beginning, that it seems like cultural causes! lool

[RosieC]

Well it looks like agreement in the end anyway. I'll just keep giving mine the best care I can and see what happens to it. Thanks everyone.

[CR7cristiano]

your always welcome. Always great to try and help.

[loveorchi]

I have a question to all the friends here,

if a catt grows a new leaf without sheath, would it still bloom?

and a sheath will come a little later if without it, or never?

thanks.