LC Tropical Pointer Cheetah - Orchid Board

BillieG · #1 07-15-2013, 07:04 PM

I bought an LC Tropical Pointer Cheetah with 6 buds on it. It arrived safely and I have had it for almost two weeks. Today i noticed that half the buds have fallen off and the other three look mushy. What happened? I am so upset. This is the second orchid I have gotten in the mail that did this. What am I doing wrong, or what can I do to ensure this doesn't happen again.
The only orchids for sale near me are places like Lowe's and the grocery store, so I have to order online to get what I want. I always order orchids in spike, because I hate to wait years to see it bloom.
Does anyone have any advice to share with me?

silken · #2 07-15-2013, 08:24 PM

I just think that the stress of being shipped caused the buds to blast. Why not order near bloom size or bloom size but not in spike when you can. This way it will bloom in your conditions and you won't have to wait so long as if it is a seedling.

Sorry for the disappointment. I can imagine how you feel.

WhiteRabbit · #3 07-15-2013, 09:27 PM

I agree that change in environment may be the culprit. But with proper care, it will spike off new growth.

How were you caring for it?

BillieG · #4 07-16-2013, 10:52 AM

I am watering it when it feels light and have it under the light, just as I do with all the others I have purchased while in spike. RO water with weak fertilizer and kelp.
Is there any way to make it re-bloom as with the keiki paste on the phals?

tucker85 · #5 07-16-2013, 12:08 PM

I agree with the previous posts. Even small changes in the environment can cause buds to fail. I don't think you did anything wrong. It's usually too much to expect an orchid to flower perfectly when shipped in bud. Occasionally it will work but usually not. Make sure to let cattleyas dry out real well between waterings. Good luck.

silken · #6 07-16-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillieG

I am watering it when it feels light and have it under the light, just as I do with all the others I have purchased while in spike. RO water with weak fertilizer and kelp.
Is there any way to make it re-bloom as with the keiki paste on the phals?

You will have to wait for a new growth to get close to mature for a spiketo be produced. I guess you could use keiki paste on the rhizome and try and force new growths. But I don't recommend it. If it is healthy and has decent roots, it will send out a new growth and likely very soon since it is no longer putting energy into the buds and flowers. Most of my Cattleyas start pushing a new growth right after blooming is done or even just before it is done.