My First Cattleya

[seaj]

Here's an update for anyone who is interested. The buds that were present when the plant was purchased have now bloomed, though the colors are washed out compared to the previous flowers. The plant was packed tight in sphagnum, so I have only watered about 4 times since I got it. I was poking around today I and saw about 6 new root growing out of the latest growth, which also has a sheath, so I decided to transfer the plant to semi-hydro. It turns out that there were actually 2 plants inside. I know that some growers do that sometimes to makes plants look fuller. It makes me wonder what the rest of the cattleyas looked like that day because the one I bought was the second to last one left. I have the plants on a heat mat, and I wish I had some Kelpmax to test out. I'll try to get them some KLN or Hormex to ease things along.


The latest blooms.


Seperated and repotted. I'm hoping it will keep all of its current roots.


These are all eyes correct?


This the second plant. Only 3 pbulbs, with another growth that is only an inch or so along. The other plant is already blooming for the third time.

[terracotta7]

Looks great! Good luck!

[Optimist]

About the 2 plant thing... Well, as you see they are blooming, so you get 2 for the price of one! In a few years the "twins" will be big and lush and giving you plenty of blooms. Think of it as a little added bonus! BTW extra cute flowers. Love them!

[GardenTheater]

Lovely flowers! Good growing!

[seaj]

Yes, the second plant is a definite bonus in my book, though I was initially annoyed because I thought I had a plant with 2 leads. It also meant that I'd have to pot up another plant, which isn't so fun. I didn't have another deli container so the second plant is in a chubby pearl drink cup. I think those hold 24 ounces. The cup seems stable enough so I hope it lasts a few years.

I actually picked up a mini phal from the same grower just because I found one with very large basal keiki. That plant was recently transferred to semi hydro as well, and though the plant could have been divided easily, I chose to keep them as one to save some trouble and space.