Question about Cat. violacea

[Andre]

Hey,
I have a Cat. violacea multiple growths. Tallest pseudobulb is about 6 inches or so. I can't get it to bloom. I grow it with my walkerianas they all bloom, but this one won't. It has great roots, and just pushed up a new growth.
Any advice/tips?

Thanks,
Andre

[isurus79]

Well, if your walkerianas are blooming, then the violacea is probably getting enough light. Are you sure its big enough to bloom? Any pics of the plant and grow area?

[euplusia]

All I know is that violaceas want year round unvariable warm conditions and uniform watering. The root system is vulnerable to faults. A strong plant should flower.
But I lost mine and never tried again. A cattleya for skilled growers.

[catwalker808]

Hi Andre.

Post a photo of your plant. It sounds like it's just too young/small to bloom yet. 6" is a bit small … it's not a miniature or near mini plant. You probably have the type plant of the species (lavender flowers). They need to be 10-14" to bloom. For the semi-alba type (which I don't think you have), a first bloom can be at 6-8", given OPTIMUM C violacea growing conditions, which you probably don't have in Vancouver.

C violacea needs it bright & warm, at least late spring to late summer. It also needs frequent watering during the growing period … which means very well drained & airy potting or a basket with some media to retain moisture. The roots need lots of water & air. When your plant is larger, if your growing period is long enough, it should be able to put out 2 new growths & blooms during the late spring/summer. Our C violaceas frequently bloom 3x, from spring to early fall.

C violacea is not so hard to grow, IF you can provide these conditions. Like most bi-foliate cats, C violacea especially cannot tolerate stale soggy root conditions.

[Andre]

Thanks. I will not give up on it. Has great roots, and each new growth is getting bigger.


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