Cattleyas and pseudobulbs

[Margarita26]

Hello, I just joined the OrchidBoard and wanted to introduce myself. I live in Miami FL and I have been collecting and growing orchids at home (outside) for about 6 years, slowly adding to my collection. I now own about 45 to 50 orchids of different types. (Catts, phals, vandas (never get flowers though), and cymbidiums, some rare ones). I am always wondering though, if I am supposed to cut off the pseudobulbs that have no leaves on Cattleyas. Please let me know if these contribute to the plant again or not. Thanks!

Margarita26

[cbuchman]

Welcome to the OB. I usually;y don't cut off old healthy back or leafless pbulbs. These pbulbs store nutrients that the plant will use for new growths.

I am not a vanda grower because I can't give then sufficient light. Is it possible that your vandas (assuming that they are of blooming size) are not getting sufficient light?

[Margarita26]

Thanks for your quick reply to my Cattleya question. I have indeed moved my vandas out further into the sunlight and keeping my fingers crossed. Also I remember the grower saying 20-20-20 for vandas and I have been kind of lazy, using the general orchid fertilizer. I am making an effort now to zero in on them more so I am hoping for better luck. They are showing new growth though, so I guess that is good.

Thanks again!

[cbuchman]

If I recall correctly Vandas do like to be fed regularly. Good Luck!

[Discus]

Welcome to orchidboard, good luck with your vandas

[SlipperGirl]

Welcome to OB

[Margarita26]

Thanks so much to all of the above who welcome me to the board. Thanks for the advice on the vandas also, I will follow through. I have had orchids for a few years but still feel like a newbie. Maybe because I have tackled too many diferent types instead of just one type, but I am hooked on all of them, that's for sure. Thanks again!

[tucker85]

Welcome to Orchid Board! I agree with everything that has been said. I don't cut off leafless pseudobulbs on cattleyas unless they turn brown. Vandas like lots of light, lots of water, and lots of fertilizer. The type of fertilizer isn't the most important thing. I water my vandas every day and fertilizer at least once a week and often twice a week. By the way there are lots of good orchid societies in South Florida. You may want to attend a meeting of one of them and see if you like it.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

[Margarita26]

Thanks for all the good stuff I am getting on vandas, and all your welcomes and hospitality. I started with cattleyas, but am really learning good stuff about vandas things that I plan to implement more. What a great board!