Cattleya Blooming Biology: One Spike Per Growth, Sheath Watching, and Light for Future Flowers

One Bloom Per Growth—Period

Cattleyas flower once per pseudobulb/growth. Your plant bloomed on all 6 original growths last year. This year's 3 new growths: one blooming, two pending.

Sheath = Future Flowers

Check the two non-blooming new growths for sheaths (thin leaf-like structures at leaf base). If present, buds may still develop inside.

Maximizing Next Year's Blooms

• Bright light: Leaves should be light green
• Dry between waterings: Almost dry, not bone-dry
• Feed with every watering: Balanced fertilizer
• 55-85°F, >50% humidity, gentle air movement
• Each growth produces 2 new growths = exponential bloom potential