new growth on Potinara Risky Business "NN"

[Calbears]

Here's a better picture. What I can see are reddish spots presumably from light and "dew drops." I'm still pretty newbie when it comes to orchids and this my first cattleya alliance. So if it's a sheath rather than a leaf, will a spike come out when it's ready?

[silken]

That picture makes it look like it could be a leaf too. I can't tell for sure. If they are all dew drops, no problem. Some looked light brown like scale but it could just be light reflection.

If it is a sheath, the buds will develop inside it. By holding it up to the light you can usually see the silhouette of them thru the sheath. Sometimes I slice a bit off the top of the sheath to open it up. It prevents moisture from getting trapped in there and rotting the buds and lets the buds get thru as they grow taller. I know they manage in nature without our help, but I decide how things look and either cut it or not, depending. Keep us posted!

I was looking at your other photos of this plant. I think the other growths all have single leaves. Sometimes it can still grow two leaves on a unifoliate cattleya but that's probably a sheath you have.

[james mickelso]

Pretty sure it's a leaf. Sheaths are thinner and more rounded at the top. (But secretly I hope it's a sheath because I know the feeling when you get a bloom).

[Calbears]

I see what you mean James. A google images search for cattleya sheath shows this one is a lot more pointy.

Praying that we're both wrong.


---------- Post added at 12:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------

Do we think the reddish spots are freckles? Are they normal? I don't see any on the older leaves.

[isurus79]

Looks like a sheath to me.

Originally Posted by Calbears

Do we think the reddish spots are freckles? Are they normal? I don't see any on the older leaves.

The spots are normal and mean that your plant is getting an appropriate amount of light.

[CR7cristiano]

Looks like a sheath....otherwise its the most deformed leaf I've seen.

[Calbears]

I held the plant in front of the sun and took this pic to get a glimpse inside. Not sure if it shows anything definitive.

[silken]

Hard to say but I think there is a small bud in the lower portion. I still think it looks like a sheath. Give it time.

[james mickelso]

From this image it sure looks like a sheath. Leaves are much thicker than this. As someone else here says...."WOO HOO!!!!"

[Calbears]

sweet. Looking forward to it. Will keep you posted.