Cattleya - water trapped in new growth - issue or not?

[SouthPark]

This discussion could be under any section of discussion - not just beginner discussion.

You know how Cattleya orchids develop a new growth (new lead), and it gets longer - extends.

I've never grown my catts in total outdoor conditions before, so have never encountered issues related to water getting into the new growth. Not just the new growth, but the 'long' new growths.

When the new growth gets long enough, it may (but not entirely certain of it) act like a funnel, but with the bottom of the funnel closed off - maybe.

So I'm assuming that if water is poured into the new long growth, then there might be the possibility of water filling up this funnel, and becomes stored in this funnel.

In the wild - I assume this can happen too.

Anybody know if water can get trapped in developing long new growths, and if rotting activity can occur as a result of that? Obviously - some catts in the wild grow vertically too.

Maybe there are discussions or details about this kind of topic in some articles out there - somewhere.

All of this is not yet considering water trapping in opened flower sheaths, and also between new pseudobulb protective layers. This is so far only considering if water can indeed get stored in long new growths, and if rotting can occur as a result of it.

One of these days, I could certainly try putting water down a long new growth (just to see if water stays in it). But thought I'd ask first - in case anyone has information to share already.

[Orchidking]

I can't tell you exactly what causes a plant to rot. Stagnant water is definetely dangerous but you already know that which is why you are asking this question.

In rainforrests I've seen plants funnel water like you descibe all year round in very high humidity environmnts so what causes plants to rot that do rot I don't know.

For me it seems to happen when temperatures get too low so I think the plant being stressed plays a big part.

If I were to grow orchids outside I'd make a seethrough rain protective roof for them for the same concern you have - whether it is a concern or not.

[SouthPark]

Thanks for your comments O.K.

I had been thinking about this for a while, but always forgot to mention it for general discussions.

I'll always be growing my catts under a balcony - but was always interested to see whether water can indeed get stuck into the funnel of a long new shoot - before the shoot opens up into a fully developed leaf.

I'm definitely with you about a see-through rain protective roof. I think that's a very good call.

[Roberta]

Most of my Catts (and relatives) grow outside, and get watered from above, and rained on, and they get cold, too. I have not had a problem with rot developing from water in a new growth. I have sometimes had buds rot when water caught at the base of the sheath. When a bud sheath seems open wide enough for water to catch, but not wide enough to let it drain, I have found that it helps to poke a hole at the base of the sheath to let it drain. For what it's worth, this seems to be more of an issue with hybrids than species... I suspect that when Mother Nature rules, the ones with a problem get "naturally selected out".

[SouthPark]

Thanks Roberta --- for sharing that experience and observations. That was very much appreciated.

[DirtyCoconuts]

I have catts that get rained on too. No issues

Look at corrugated polycarbonate for fun roof ideas. Comes in different tints for sun shading if so desired too

[ArronOB]

I have some very big old Laelia that grow in baskets fixed to trees. They get rained on, and when I’m using the hose in the back yard I usually give them a spray.

Occasionally i see a rotting pseudobulb which probably does come about through a process like you mention.I expect some pseudobulbs do rot off but the problem spreads no further.

Obviously they are well adapted to their environment. If they were struggling with heat, cold, dryness etc then one rotting pseudobulb may be terminal.

Wouldn’t most of the cattleya alliance do well growing outside in your zone?

[SouthPark]

Thanks for sharing your observations as well Arron. Up here in NQ, your comment about cattleya generally doing well outdoors is most likely true. I've always grown catts semi outdoor... under a balcony. Some of them get direct morning sun. The balcony generally shelters the plants from rain unless it's real windy - where stormy rain can get the plants real wet. But since I grow them in Quincan gravel media, absolutely no problem with serious drenching rain.

The details you provided about no issue with water getting into new growth is really helpful ..... as this definitely adds to the understanding about what conditions catts can or can't handle. Really good knowledge. Thanks Arron!

[DirtyCoconuts]

SP I have something to contribute here as well. I went out to look and found four or five new growths that are on catts and a zygo and they make pretty aggressive funnels and hold water to no negative affect. I’ll post pics as soon as I get to a desktop

[SouthPark]

Thanks very much for contributing to that DC. The information is significant.