Laelia purpurata var. carnea HELP

[Plodde]

Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing very well.

I need HELP!

I have a Laelia purpurata and it has had a sheath for about nine months now. In the last month, I can see buds forming in the sheath and they are getting bigger by the day.

The sheath is still very green and of heavy substance.

I'm wondering, as i have heard of buds rotting in the sheath, if i should cut the top of the sheath off.

Please keep in mind that the sheath is not dried up and brown at all.

[pipsxlch]

No. They will force their way out when it's time. You risk far more damage removing the protective sheath.

I've grown/flowered purpurata and tenebrosa, and have never opened the sheaths, and never had a problem. Actually I've learned the hard way to not open sheaths on Catts- they see far more likely to rot the times I've tried. The only time I'd consider it is with a dried/dead sheath.

[Plodde]

Thank you for responding!
And I will be taking your advice and not cut the sheath.

[Leslie]

I agree with Pip. As long as sheath is green and buds growing, leave it alone. But... Watch it carefully and watch for extreme temperature changes (can blast buds if too cold or hot). I only cut sheaths if buds look distorted or can't break through the sheath.


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[Plodde]

Just thought i would inform you guys that the buds are safely starting to break out of the sheath!

I see two so far!!!

[Optimist]

Originally Posted by Plodde

Just thought i would inform you guys that the buds are safely starting to break out of the sheath!

I see two so far!!!

Fabulous! I know this is a kind of older post, but I have some catts, and their sheaths were even "dry" and appeared dead, but the buds still formed in them, and eventually came out. I would not touch a sheath unless the tiny stem of a fully formed bud inside the sheath (hold it up to the light) is noticeably "dog legged" in it, which means it is pushing up and not able to get out. This will weaken and deform the little flower stem (some which can get quite long).

[Leslie]

Did you take pics of the blooms? Interested to see how the lip colour turned out.


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[Plodde]

They are still just green buds at the moment, but I will be happy to post pictures once they bloom! I'm hopin for a soft salmon pink, but only time will tell

[Plodde]

YAY!! they are finally in bloom!

[silken]

Those are a lovely shape for a purpurata var. carnea. Congrats!