lateral meristems form at leaf axils, always. in many sympodial orchids, they are forming along the rhizome at the axils of leaves that are reduced to sheathing bracts, but rest assured, it is a botanical universality that apical meristem is at the end of a stem and lateral meristem is at the base of a leaf axil. In fact, if you remove the bracts from the psuedobulb of a cattleya or dendrobium or whathaveyou, there are meristematic zones at the bases of those bracts, where the main bract vein attaches to the stem. Most of the time, these do not develop unless major damage occurs to the primary growth eyes. In such cases, hormones are redirected to stimulate keiki formation along the cane. Perfect example of this is the ability to propagate C. bicolor and related cattleyas relatively easily from cane cuttings.
Personally, i just think you should be glad your plants are happy enough that they are holding those lower leaves so long.
-Cj
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Hybrid Mode
