Water/no water in winer for c. gaskelliana.

[pjoeverett]

Everywhere I read it says to reduce watering in winter because the plant is essentially dormant but I am getting new growth on 2 smaller plants. I don' t want to overwater which is a big problem for me. And, should I fertilize?
Heat is on constantly and humidity is approx. 40 per cent when it is very cold. I do keep a fan running most of the day.

[Ray]

If you're seeing new growth, it needs food and water. However, you should keep in mind

1) Dry winter rest is more about reducing your fertilizer content, especially nitrogen, than drying out the plant.

2) if you lose roots due to overwatering, then you're using too dense of a potting medium. The best medium is one that holds water IN its particles, but very little IN BETWEEN them.

I also recommend that you fertilize frequently, using very dilute solutions. For example, I feed and water about every two or three days, and the amount of fertilizer I add is determined by dividing 2 by the %N on the label, the results being teaspoons per gallon. That is, for the 12-1-1 K-Lite formula, I use 2/12 = 1/6 tsp/gal.


Ray Barkalow
firstrays.com

[pjoeverett]

Thanks.... I do not do well with coconut bark. I do much better with sm/med bark chips and in summer I use the MSU fertilizer (higher nitrogen) and in winter one that is higher in phosphate. I just want to see sheaths in the early spring. I do use a lot of clear plastic pots so I can see what is going on. I will look for a Lite formula.

[ALToronto]

There is no 'Lite' formula. K-Lite is a brand name of a specially formulated fertiliser not available in stores. You can only buy it from Ray's online store, Orchid Plants & Supplies, Free Info, Hydroponics, and More! - First Rays LLC

[pjoeverett]

Thanks ! I will check that out. In winter I just feel like my plants are in survival mode and I stay stressed

[Leafmite]

All Cattleyas need some water during the winter to keep the roots healthy but they tend to prefer to have a medium that exposes the roots to plenty of air.
C. gaskelliana is said to be one of the best beginner Cattleyas. I have two C. gaskelliana (siblings). They are both in large chunks of red lava rock, with eggshell mixed in, and basket-type pots.
Gaskelliana sometimes does put out a second round of growths if conditions are right so this is not that uncommon. If your temperatures and light are lower, water and fertilize less. If the medium is starting to break down, be careful that it is all drying evenly. Always pot Cattleyas so that only the roots are in the medium and make certain they have a good source of Calcium. Here is my favorite link for C. gaskelliana.

Cattleya gaskelliana | Chadwick and Son Orchids

[NeofinetiaCanada2014]

In my experience I watch what the plant does, no matter it's cycle. It's early for a gaskeliana to throw new growths now but not uncommon. I would follow Ray's advice. Start watering slowly and make sure you dry in between. Then as new growths are 2-3 inches high, start regular watering and dilute fertilizer. Pay attention to drying in between. When new roots start, it's back on regular regiment of growing. Good luck.
PS great suggestion of the Chadwick article! Read and follow!


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[pjoeverett]

I love to read the stories in his articles and I have note cards on the species orchids and make notes on my list of orchids but when they go off the chart I panic. I start to second guess myself and usually that ends up with lots of green and no flower spike. Thanks so much !!

[Ryan Young]

My alba gaskelliana has 3 new leads, one about 2 inches the others half inch swollen nubs right now, so I don't know if spring is early this year or what, have owned it for just about over a year now. So definitely not currently dormant.

[NeofinetiaCanada2014]

Means three sets of bloom! Yaaaa
Water when nuns are 3 inches, increasing as they grow!


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