Induce rest period or let the roots grow?

[Corsetière]

I put this Catasetum into S/H a month or two ago because the medium from the nursery wasn't working well in my conditions and that switch spurred a major root growth. This is great, but my problem is that this plant should be going into a winter rest period now and so now I am uncertain weather I should let it grow the roots or if I should start decreasing water to induce the rest period. I just want to make sure it is not thrown off it's regular schedule by the switch to S/H because I would like some blooms next year.

If it makes any difference, the bulb has not bloomed this season.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Corsetière

This is great, but my problem is that this plant should be going into a winter rest period now and so now I am uncertain weather I should let it grow the roots or if I should start decreasing water to induce the rest period.

Yeah, ya gotta hate this time of year with the "uncertain weather" ... can't be sure if it will rain or snow. (Sorry, just had to ...)

Not an experienced Catasetum person, but, even though the plant should be going dormant, I suspect that you will be advised to just keep letting it do what it wants ... in this case grow. From the looks of your photo, it doesn't look to me like that leafy pb has finished fattening up and growing. If so, then the plant may be better off continuing to grow even if that means skipping dormancy. Friends I have had who did grow Catasetum allowed the plant to indicate when it was ready for dormancy, as I recall.

[Corsetière]

Yeah I think the bulb is a little immature still, too. It would seem like a crime to stop such lovely root growth. Here's a better photo from a few weeks prior to the above images.

[euplusia]

Absolutely not the stage to start dormancy !!
The bulb has to grow at least 4 more month. Give as much light and warmth and water and fertilizer as you would give in July/August. Only then will this bulb grow strong and flower.
A short rest period in the end is no problem, but a growth interrupted in the worst possible time leads to big trouble.
By the way I am curious which Catasetum you grow. Would you reveal your secret?

[Corsetière]

Ok, good to know. I was worried it would harm them not to rest now. I'm so glad this community exists! I always get such good advice here!

Sure, this is Monn. Millenium Magic 'Witchcraft'. I am trying to be patient, but I have a second plant of the same type and the blooms were so exquisite that I wish this plant would go ahead and bloom already!

However, the foliage is very beautiful too - almost "gemmy" it reminds me of Chrysoprase.

[euplusia]

Thanks. Monnierara should grow a big strong pseudobulb. And yes, the plant itself looks healthy and good.

[Bud]

You have a new growth that has barely an inch in roots....The mature bulb should get bigger than the old cane beside it. And the leaves will double that size.
I just posted a thread of my flowering Monnierara Millenium Magic 'Witchcraft'.
Start fertilizer and water regimen for your growing plant=warmth, humidity and bright shaded light....maybe it will bloom for you mid spring....
my orchid plant bloomed mid-Fall, it is not even showing signs of dormancy but I am willing to wait=if not: I will give it rest period by December 22....