Cattleya arrived with chopped off, pitted leaves... what would you do?

[SunflowerJoy]

Hello, everyone.
Recently, I purchased a Cattleya, in bud, from a large mail-order company.
I admit to being disappointed when I unpacked it.
It looked as if the leaves had been yanked off the pseudobulbs, and the edges of several leaves had brown pits.

The orchid did bloom, and I am happy with the flowers, but I don’t know what to do with the plant.
Should I cut off the pseudobulbs and bad leaves?
Should I just trim the bad edges?
Is this even considered healthy?
What would you do?
I have uploaded a couple of photos.
Advice would be much appreciated, and thank you in advance for taking the time to reply.

[JScott]

The plants looks a little "weathered", like it has maybe been grown exposed to the elements and sustained some minor mechanical damage, but from what I can see, it appears to be in good health. I wouldn't cut anything off of it (I think it's best practice not to cut off anything that isn't already dead). If you're not satisfied with the condition of the plant, you could contact the nursery and let them know, and maybe they'll do something to make it right, but I don't think you need to worry about whether the plant is healthy. I think the plant is fine; it has just lived a rough life. If it were my plant, I would just accept it as it is, but I'd remember this before I ordered from that nursery again.

[Roberta]

I agree that the plant looks healthy. In fact it looks like you may get another batch of flowers from that sheath on the smaller growth. The pits may just be some bug damage that was treated - once the bugs (possibly scale) are removed, the cosmetic damage remains. Eventually that leaf will die and fall off as new growth develops. (That has already happened on those bare pseudobulbs... as long as they are green, they are contributing energy to the plant so PLEASE don't cut them!) I see nothing that needs cutting. It needs repotting, to a slightly larger pot (you want to allow room for about two years' new growth, not more) and use large bark - Catts need to drain well and dry somewhat between waterings. The ideal time is when you see new roots just starting. But I think it is a mistake to expect perfect appearance... this is a living thing, not a manufactured article. (By and large, most orchid plants are not particularly attractive - until they bloom, and then "Oh baby!") The plant looks healthy, and very vigorous. If you get blooming (and very possibly two of them) on such a small plant, it is likely to be spectacular in another year or two.

[SunflowerJoy]

Thank you so much for the replies.
I have gone on a buying spree, after only having grocery store orchids over the years.
It’s great to be able to ask and get feedback and reassurance so quickly.

And by the way, there are two sheaths that may produce flowers!

I brought it inside to enjoy the blooms, but it is going outside again right after.
When it arrived with buds a week ago, I was afraid they would drop off, but I put it outside and to my delight, they got fatter and fatter and both opened today.
I have another out there, ready to bloom. Very exciting.

[Roberta]

Where do you live? If there is an orchid club anywhere near you, it is a great place to ask questions of people who grow under conditions much like your own, to meet other "orchid fanatics" (in my experience, some of the nicest people on the planet) and perhaps to acquire plants either from members who have divisions, or nearby growers. If there are any nearby shows, also a wonderful place to acquire plants (and to ask questions of the seller... if they can't answer because they just bought their plants wholesale, find another seller, who actually grew the plant)

---------- Post added at 05:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 PM ----------

What is the name on the plant's tag? (Too small to read from the photo) It is easy for me to look up the "pedigree" of a named plant if it is registered (not just a trade name). Knowing the species in the background of the plant can be really useful in determining the "fine points" of care (such as the minimum temperature that you can get away with... if you can stay "in range" they tend to be happier outside with good light and air movement) Of course it is fine to keep in the house to enjoy while it is blooming... that is what I do. Then put them back outside to grow when the flowers are done.

[SunflowerJoy]

This is a “teacup” Cattleya, Sakura Candy 'Hello Kitty’
(C. Starry Sky x Ctt. Candy Tuft)

It is supposed to be fragrant, but I can’t smell anything so far.

[Roberta]

Ah... first all of the ancestors of this plant are pretty cold-tolerant - it should be fine outside at least down to 40 deg. F. (4 deg C) at night, perhaps occasionally lower if kept dry, and gets a chance to warm up during the day. One parent (Ctt. Candy Tuft) is likely (based on its parents) to be a real mini (like 4" or so), the other I'd call more "intermediate". But with this parentage, it will stay compact (probably under 8" -10" or so)... it looks like it will be a flowering machine... Fragrance in orchids can be an ephemeral thing, showing up only at certain times of day (most likely when it is warm) and some individuals of a mostly-fragrant hybrid can end up without. But check it when it has been outdoors in the (dappled) sun for a little while, it may be fragrant then.

[SunflowerJoy]

Here is a picture of Hello Kitty this morning, next to the one that is getting ready to bloom, Lc. ‘Little Fireball' (Lc. Aloha Case x S. coccinea)
I’m trying not to look at the black on the underside of one leaf on that one, LOL. I am pretty obsessive about keeping the leaves looking nice, as well.
The ones I bought from Big Leaf Orchids were very satisfying to me, and I guess I expected that level of quality from all nurseries.