Catts blooming from dead sheaths - Orchid Board

Bulbofett · #1 10-20-2014, 05:17 PM

I'm not sure, but I think my Blc. Husky Boy 'Romeo' is one of those that blooms from old sheaths. I just got him in July with a sheath. Well, the sheath shriveled up and looked dead, but now it is looking fat and plump like there are buds inside. I desperately want to cut it open to sate my curiosity

Anyone else that grows this one that can confirm?

Nepenthesguy · #2 10-20-2014, 06:22 PM

It is likely that just the sheath dried out while the buds continued to develop...... or it is a zombie and we are all screwed! lol

katrina · #3 10-20-2014, 06:31 PM

It's not unusual for some to bloom from dried sheaths. Don't cut it open though...you could potentially damage the buds. Patience...

Bulbofett · #4 10-20-2014, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nepenthesguy

It is likely that just the sheath dried out while the buds continued to develop...... or it is a zombie and we are all screwed! lol

Kill it with fire!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by katrina

It's not unusual for some to bloom from dried sheaths. Don't cut it open though...you could potentially damage the buds. Patience...

Yeah i have a few that bloom from dried sheaths so i didnt know if this was one of 'em. It is SO hard not to cut it open lol. Maybe a pic will help....see the bulge?

Leafmite · #5 10-20-2014, 07:00 PM

Resist temptation.....

Fairorchids · #6 10-20-2014, 07:37 PM

Hold it up against the light. If you can see how far the buds have progressed, and you can cut the tip of dried sheath without touching the buds, you can do so if you wish. Then carefully peel the sides of the sheath apart, so buds can develop unhindered.

However, since it has developed this far without assistance, it can probably handle the rest of the way too.

katrina · #7 10-21-2014, 08:55 AM

To each his own but I am of the belief that in ordinary circumstances the buds can develop and push through the sheath w/out assistance from us. After all, these plants have been on this earth much longer than we have. I also believe they evolved w/these sheaths for a reason and I know that removing some green sheaths too early can cause the flowers to flop over on themselves. All in all...IMO...it's best to leave them to do their thing UNLESS you can see that there is a problem that needs resolved.

FWIW - I've never had trouble w/the dried sheaths however, some of the thicker/waxier green sheaths have popped open a bit on top and I watch those to make sure water doesn't get trapped down in the sheath. But, usually, they manage to do their thing w/out any help from me.

CA2FLxplant · #8 10-21-2014, 09:12 AM

Hope I'm not high jacking here, but this Blc. Ann Morning 'Paradise' shot up a "dried sheath" and two green sheaths.
First pic is the dried sheath and the resultant growth. Will it do anything more?

Is there any hope for the brown sheath nub growth?

Edit: The brown sheath showed up about a month BEFORE the two green ones did, but the greens are both now blooming beautifully...hmmmm...