The Catt who came in from the cold! - Orchid Board

Kath · #1 10-19-2010, 10:41 AM

I have a Cattleya that doesn't want to die! I've had it for a long time, and it had given me flowers regularly. It hasn't flowered for some years now, so we had a long discussion the two of us, and the end result was that it ended up outside on the patio in the cold. A few days after taking such drastic steps, a friend who is also an orchid lover took a look at the plant and saw a flower coming thro'! I brought it in immediately, and I'm now going to give it some TLC, and look after it properly. So can you give me some info on how to transplant it. Should I move it into a larger pot, or trim back the roots and the dead bits? Thanks for your help! I've tried to upload photos, but it doesn't seem to work this time! I'll try again later

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 10-19-2010, 01:12 PM

Please also try and find out what the name is too.

Not all Catts grow warm, especially if they're species.

val_and_graham · #3 10-19-2010, 02:36 PM

Hi Kath. What's causing you to think it needs transplanting? Are the roots looking rotten? Dead roots, which will be mushy with a brown covering that easily peels off, should be cut away up to close to the base of the plant. You'll be left with firm (almost brittle) lighter colored roots. Depending on the size of the plant, and the amount of unhealthy roots removed, you may find after all of your trimming and old bark removal that you can repot back into the same pot. Do ensure though you give the pot a very good clean before reintroducing your plant. Water and drain well afterwards too.

Orchid126 · #4 10-19-2010, 03:57 PM

When a plant is in bloom is not usually the time to repot it. Also, the light is getting weaker and weaker. Most orchids grow better in the spring when the light is getting stronger.

I agree with val and graham. What makes you think the plant needs repotting?

CTB · #5 10-19-2010, 04:36 PM

Wait and enjoy the bloom, that's why you brought it in from the cold isn't it.? Why did you put it outside in the first place? I agree more information is needed.

Kath · #6 10-20-2010, 05:47 AM

I put it outside out of frustration! I know it was not the best idea, but I was getting slightly annoyed with this plant which was getting paler and paler is colour. Ok it wasn't a good idea, but there again, it's giving me a flower now! I promise, I won't do it again!

I still don't know how to upload ant pictures tho'. I used to be able to, but things seem to have changed.

johnblagg · #7 10-20-2010, 04:25 PM

ok getting Paler and paler sounds like maybe you were not giving it enough light ....

kavanaru · #8 10-20-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnblagg

ok getting Paler and paler sounds like maybe you were not giving it enough light ....

actualy, it is the opposite of this. A cattleya with not enough light will get darker leaves to compensate. at the right amount of light the leaves will be light green, and this is the right healthy color for Cattleya (and many other orchids!), of course, with too much light they will get too light and can be burned!

light leaves could also be chlorosis! there you need to check your feeding regime!

Kath · #9 10-21-2010, 04:51 AM

I think my problem is too much light, as I now have a conservatory where I can keep the orchids, so you've all given my the answer to my problem - too much light. I didn't realise that Catts grew in shade. Thanks for all your contributions! I wonder if others have similar problems with Catts??

kavanaru · #10 10-21-2010, 05:29 AM

Hi Kath, it is not that they grow in shade. Actually, Catts need quite a lot of light in order to grow and bloom correctly. You only need to find the right balance: no direct sun, but bright light! They should actually have light green leaves, but not yellow-green (this would be too much light!)... dark green would be not enough light!