Catt blooming question.

[Brownthumb10]

I got a compact (I think) NoID catt last June, it was in bloom when I got it. Those blooms faded and it produced two new pseudobulbs. When it flowered this year, it only flowered from one of the pseudobulbs. Those blooms faded and it now appears to be sending out 2 more pseudobulbs. Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of of it blooming of both pseudobulbs or is it normal for it to only bloom from one? Thanks!

[silken]

I think it really depends somewhat on its parentage. Also how strong the roots are and how much sun it is getting. Nutrients likely play a role too. If it is in optimal conditions it could bloom from both growths.

[tucker85]

It mostly depends on the DNA of the plant. The only other variable I know of is light. Cattleyas often bloom better if they get stronger light.

[NYCorchidman]

Up the light and see the wonder! hahaha

How do the new leads and the leaves that grew under your care look compared to what's already there?
Are they of the same size or larger than the ones that bloomed last year?

[lotis146]

When you say stronger light do you mean brighter, longer exposure or both?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by lotis146

When you say stronger light do you mean brighter, longer exposure or both?

I'm not trying to speak for others, just IMO. Both brighter (less shading) and longer exposure, but any change should be made GRADUALLY.

An anecdote (not related to a Cattleya) on gradual adjustment of light, I have an outdoor bench that is somewhat crowded now. I have a Phal. Wild Turkey that I recently noticed was looking a little yellow in the leaf; not sickly, just yellow green. Otherwise, the plant looks great. I accidentally viewed the plant from above at noon, found out that a gap in my shading, and an accidental shift of the plant on the bench, was allowing that Phal to get direct sun on that leaf at noon! In Georgia, longest daylight of the year, temperatures in mid-90s F! Since it happened gradually, the plant seems to have adapted to it (but I would not recommend this to anyone). It is producing a nice spike right now, either due to, or in spite of, the extra light.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by lotis146

When you say stronger light do you mean brighter, longer exposure or both?

Can be either, or both - but increasing both at the same time increases the chance of burn

[lotis146]

Thanks for the input!

[RJSquirrel]

lots of light seems to make the most difference BUT if the plant hasnt been fed properly during the growing season it wont have enough fuel to create a bloom no matter how much light you give it. So if it was on the downside then it might take a few years of rebuilding its infrastructure (roots and bulbing up), along with the light and a good consistent diet to get them to respond.