P-bulb question?

[emg53]

I have bought several new catts over the last 6 months. Some had p-bulbs with sheaths. Most of these p-bulbs haven't grown or produced flowers yet. Now I know they will take their sweet time however some are starting new p-bulbs at the base of the old one. I was wondering if they start growing a new p-bulb will the old one with the sheath produce flowers or is that a signal that the older p-bulb is finished growing?

[tucker85]

It all depends on the DNA of that particular orchid. Some cattleyas only produce one new pseudo-bulb on each lead during the growing season but other cattleyas produce two pseudo-bulbs on each lead. Of those, some will bloom on only the last pseudo-bulb of the season and others will bloom on both new pseudo-bulbs. Naturally the type of plants that bloom on both new pseudo-bulbs have more potential for a large number of flowers.

[Oscarman]

with tucker85

I would view flower sheath production as evidence that you are going in the right direction with culture. Doesn't always mean flowers will form though. Have had some catts form sheaths and then wait and wait months before forming buds in the sheath. Even had a couple flower without sheaths!