Cattleyas and pseudobulbs

[Orchidflowerchild]

I have a throw-pillow aphorism for this question:

If it's brown, cut it down. If it's green let it be.

-Ceci

[HighSeas]

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Consider this too....NEVER cut off ANYTHING without using a sterile instrument, scalpel, or razor blade. Don't cross contaminate between plants. If necessary, get yourself a propane torch (Home Depot or Lowes) and flash your instrument (knife, etc) with it before cutting.

Really glad you're here!

[cbuchman]

Originally Posted by HighSeas

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Consider this too....NEVER cut off ANYTHING without using a sterile instrument, scalpel, or razor blade. Don't cross contaminate between plants. If necessary, get yourself a propane torch (Home Depot or Lowes) and flash your instrument (knife, etc) with it before cutting.

Really glad you're here!

I subject my instruments to a 10% bleach solution then rinse off. My husband would have a heart attack if I started flaming thing inside -

[Margarita26]

I really liked the aphorism, I won't forget that one. I am good though about sterilizing my instruments, I guess that is why most of my orchids have survived in spite of my newbie care. I try to read up a lot on them and try to put everything into effect. You all are helping me a lot also.

[Margarita26]

FINALLY!!! After all your advice and all the rain lately in Florida, At least one Vanda is showing a spike! I am so happy I could cry. After all these rains I guess I should feed before going on vacation.

Also one beautiful full Cattleya basket is showing flowers. That worries me a little because if feels so soon. Last year it bloomed for months until early in the year but I didn't remember it starting so early. The worst heat is yet to come in Miami.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Hi Margarita, and welcome, newbie here also, and from Miami. The same problem with my Vanda, grows great, but I figure out didn't get enough light and food, so it did not bloom for me in 2 years. Question regarding your cattleyas, you have them outside, what sun do they get? do they get any direct sun? how often do you water in our weather conditions. I love cats but i seem to have issues with them, i killed already 2, i think over watering, and now I did order another one, nice big size, and within last week of rains it started to rotten again and lost 3 leaves on old bulbs, that turned brown, so i guess rain killed it again, but i did repot and i think I will save that one, however they never bloom. I do have only balcony, and only afternoon to evening sun:-)