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Will my Cattleya plant flower at exactly the same time every year? 
No. Though a plant can be expected to flower at approximately the same time 
each year, due to variations in weather and growing conditions it is impossible 
to predict exactly when it will flower, even though we know when it has 
flowered. 
. What effect does repotting have on the flowering of a Cattleya plant? 
. Quite often a plant that is repotted in sheath will flower several months earlier 
than normal due to the shock of repotting. 
. When does a Cattleya plant give its best flowers? 
. On the flowering just before it needs repotting. In other words the longer a 
plant is established and receiving good care the better are the chances of it 
bearing good flowers. 
. I bought a plant from a reputable grower who said he had flowered it and it 
was a very good variety. I flowered it, however, and the flowers were average 
only. 
. The plant buyer who has purchased from a reputable grower must realize that 
the flowers we get on our plants are about 90% good growing and 10% good 
breeding. In other words, the finest Orchid in the world when poorly grown 
will be no better than an average one that is well grown. Never under any con- 
ditions, however, minimize the importance of good breeding. 
Q. I have several plants that flowered this winter with poor sepal quality though 
they generally flower quite well. 
A. This is a condition that is quite common throughout the country each year, 
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especially in the fall. There is a certain relationship between drastic changes 
in growing conditions and the flower quality. When the weather turns cold 
and more artificial heat is used in the houses this trouble with flower quality 
seems to occur. It has proven beneficial in many cases to damp between the 
pots both at nightfall and again in the morning. Pay especial attention to ven- 
tilation at this time also. 
. Should I feed my Cattleyas? 
. Though definite benefits are derived from feeding there is no substitute for 
ordinary good growing practices. In other words, feeding is not the short cut 
to good orchids or a substitute for lack of good growing. However, as we have 
said feeding is definitely beneficial if wisely done. Most commercial growers 
do not feed Cattleyas. 
. How often should a Cattleya bloom? 
. It should bloom at least once a year, and may bloom twice a year or more, 
in the case of some of the more prolific hybrids. 
. How long does an orchid plant live? 
. There is no life limit to a plant which is well grown. It will thrive indefinitely 
under good cultural conditions. Divisions off some fine varieties are known to 
be 50 and 60 years old and still doing well. 
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