Catasetum - wait a little longer before potting and watering?

[mexicowpants]

This is the result of the rescue job I did on a catasetum whose new growth rotted away due to overzealous watering too early in its development. Not wanting the same thing to happen again, I thought I'd just check with you guys first for your expert opinions. The longest 2 roots are just over 2.5in (6cm) long now:
Should I be thinking about potting it up and starting watering yet? Or should I wait until the roots are a bit longer?

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[bil]

Sweet roots!

[Bohata]

You are getting close. The rule of thumb is to wait to water until the roots are 3-5" long. Do repot it, though.

[fishmom]

Bohata is right, it is hard to repot 3-5 inch roots without damage, but I'd wait a bit before waterting. The latest p-bulb is still pretty plump, so it has plenty of strength to nurture the new growth.

[mexicowpants]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Will be potting her up tomorrow. I'll try to set her in a clear plastic pot with at least one of the roots visible down the outside of the medium so I can reasonably judge root length. I'm thinking of using fine (<1cm) pumice/lava rock, maybe with a little sphagnum mixed in to help retain moisture... What do you guys use as medium for your catasetums?

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[mexicowpants]

Well, here are the results of your expert opinions, guys... Repotted it almost immediately in a clear plastic pot, but unfortunately couldn't leave any roots visible without leaving the whole plant at an ungodly angle. Left it like that another 3 weeks, then gave it its first watering and sat it outside on the covered patio with the rest of my orchids just before going on vacation for 10 days. I then proceeded to worry intensely about it - should I have waited until I returned from vacation before watering?
My worries were totally unfounded, though - I got back to discover this:

The roots are now exiting the pot through the drainage holes:

... And I think my choice of medium was just perfect for the growing conditions here - I have roots poking out into sight all around the pot, and after watering there is visible condensation on the inside of the pot over a week after watering (yeah, I'm a lazy waterer)!

So just starting to settle down into the long wait for a spike, now... *puts the kettle on* ...
Thanks for all the advice! :happydance:

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[AvantGardner]

I don't know how I missed this before, good job! What species/ cross?

[mexicowpants]

It's a NoID that I bought as it was just starting to come out of dormancy, so it'll be a nice surprise when it flowers

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[AvantGardner]

Awesome. Patience pays off with this group!

[No-Pro-mwa]

I hope you get blooms this year.