Cattleya pseudobulbs

[plumania]

Originally Posted by tucker85

One way to switch fertilizers without wasting money is to buy the new one and alternate between the K lite and the new fertilizer, each time you fertilize, until you've used up your old fertilizer.

Thanks Tucker.Sounds like a good idea. Will do so.

By the way, I am trying to see if any local orchid societies are close to my place and start during daytime instead of late evening. Davie orchid society seems to fit once we have longer days. I am not sure how active they are.

I would love to join Ft Lauderdale orchid society but their timings are not suitable for regular attendance.....

Thanks for all the guidance.

[brsucculents]

Very interesting thread.

Another reason nursery plants tend to grow taller is they are grown/packed closer together. They grow up, instead of out, to get to the light. Think trees in a forest.

Obviously, nutrition plays a part as already discussed. Healthier plants will grow taller/bigger.

Another thing is light. You mention that your plants were yellowish from getting adequate light. I believe plants grown in less light will be taller, at least for some clones. Eg. I was given a division of a Schombocat. The new pseudobulbs are probably 25% shorter, the pseudobulbs are 3 x thicker, and the leaves 1/2 as big because I am giving the plant much more light.

And as also discussed, larger plants have more energy/fuel to put into new growth.

Once again.... great thread. It definitely sounds like you're doing everything right.