Successive blooms smaller year to year?

[D_novice]

Hello

I think I know the answer to this question! But I'm going to ask anyway.

I have a large multigrowth Lc. Ancibarina 'Rosedust' (HCC/AOS) that I got from Santa Barbara Orchid Estate two years ago. This plant is L anceps x Cattleya cinnabarina.

This year it's blooms are smaller than last year, even though it's growing under the same conditions (mounted, outdoor culture in Northern California.)

When I used to see this in Phaelenopsis, it seemed to be a sign that the plants just weren't thriving. That's why I no longer grow/try to grow Phals.

This is a big plant with plenty of pseudobulbs and back bulbs. The ratio of reserve to current floral growth should be fine, I'd think - it's better than it was last year, when the blooms were bigger.

Not sure what I can do about this besides abort next year's flower spikes and see if that helps.

Maybe this year's blooms are more intensively colored? Not sure if that's a photo/lighting artifact. Perhaps it put more energy into color rather than size? (I realize I may be grasping at straws here!)

Any other suggestions or thoughts welcome!


THIS YEAR


LAST YEAR