I don’t have a Black Pearl, but a Monn. Witchcraft. Mine didn’t bloom this year and has a long skinny pseudobulb as well (got lost in the mail for 4-5 weeks).
Anyway, I stopped watering mid to late November and mine just started it’s new growth like a week ago. I also have 2 more catasetum types that have not started putting out growths either.
I have significant new growth on just a few of my Catasetinae. It's still early... those in warmer areas may be seeing more action but it is much too early to be concerned. And I have found that Fredclarkearas tend to be among the later ones to come out of dormancy. Shhh... they're still sleeping.