What are these things?

[escualida]

Hi all,

I received two new catts in the mail today, one of them has blooms that have started to open up and the other has a new pbulb in growth. Both of them have these weird little pebble-like things in their pots which I have never seen before.



However when I touch them they are soft so they are definitely not rocks, and I split one open with a knife and this brown liquid squirted out. Does anyone know what they could be? I live in an apartment so the last thing I need is some sort of critter hatching from some eggs or something.

Please help.

Thanks!

[PaphMadMan]

Probably Osmocote, or a similar time-release fertilizer.

[escualida]

Ok that makes me feel a lot better, but does that mean I shouldn't use my own fertilizer? If so, for how long?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You can use your own fertilizer, just reduce the concentration.

[PaphMadMan]

Osmocote doesn't supply nutrients much past 4 months. From your description the Osmocote is probably pretty old. I don't think you need to cut back on fertlizer.

[Stray59]

I agree - it is probably a time released fert. - some times you can just gently shake most of it out if it bothers you. I really doubt it will be an issue though. But, your pics reveal some really healthy new root growth. Looks like you are doing well by your cats!
Steve

[escualida]

Thanks Steve, I'm really new to orchids and growing plants in general so I just really had no idea what it was but I'm glad it's just fertilizer.

I wish I could take credit for those roots but I honestly got this plant like 2 days ago, hopefully I can keep it just as healthy as when it arrived.

[BradGC]

Good luck and happy growing!