The sheaths on my Cattleyas have dried and did not produce blooms. Should I remove them?
Dry sheaths on Cattleyas are not uncommon. Don’t be in a big hurry to remove the old dry sheath. A year from now it could produce buds! Depending on the type of Cattleya you have “Dry sheaths” might be normal. C. mossiae and its hybrids, and C. skinneri usually always have dry sheaths. I leave the dry sheaths alone on most species and wait to see what develops. When hybrid Cattleya sheaths begin to yellow, cut open at the top and let the air in. Do not remove them, it can take over a year sometimes for the buds to develop. Many spring blooming Cattleyas develops buds within the dry sheaths on last years growth. Spring blooming Cattleyas need more water in the spring but hold back fertilizer until they begin their new growths. They appreciate a 2 or 3 week drying period after they finish blooming.
