Cattleya walkeriana semi alba question

[Ray]

The thing needs good roots so it can absorb water and recover. You are right to withhold food for the time being - resume that when you see new roots, but only very dilute solutions.

My approach would be to add KelpMax to the next three consecutive waterings to stimulate root growth, set the pot on a heat mat to accelerate that process, and invert a clear plastic bag over the plant and pot to trap humidity around it, slowing the desiccation process (that humidity tray is doing nothing).

[orchidsarefun]

The good news is that once these are established and in the right spot indoors and out, they take off. Mine flowers 3-4 times a year and has tripled in size in 4 years. Most of the roots are now outside the pot.
The bad news is that it did nothing for the 2 years before that and after repotting. They hate to have their roots disturbed and you have to wait for the next growth cycle for new ones. Patience, lots of light and a quick root dry-out should invigorate yours.

[cluelessmidwesterner]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

The good news is that once these are established and in the right spot indoors and out, they take off. Mine flowers 3-4 times a year and has tripled in size in 4 years. Most of the roots are now outside the pot.
The bad news is that it did nothing for the 2 years before that and after repotting. They hate to have their roots disturbed and you have to wait for the next growth cycle for new ones. Patience, lots of light and a quick root dry-out should invigorate yours.

Could you please explain what the next growth cycle means? Do you mean spring growth? And could you please explain what you mean by quick root dry-out?

Being patience I don't mind if I understand what I'm doing is everything that helps this plant get over the "hump" so to speak

Thanks

[cluelessmidwesterner]

Originally Posted by Ray

The thing needs good roots so it can absorb water and recover. You are right to withhold food for the time being - resume that when you see new roots, but only very dilute solutions.

My approach would be to add KelpMax to the next three consecutive waterings to stimulate root growth, set the pot on a heat mat to accelerate that process, and invert a clear plastic bag over the plant and pot to trap humidity around it, slowing the desiccation process (that humidity tray is doing nothing).

I do have a question regarding the placing a bag over the plant. I do understand that its to conserve humidity. My question is a three part one.

1. Should I "vent" the bag some way so there is some fresh air to prevent rot.

2. How long would the humidity "tent" need to stay on?

3. How to acclimate the Cattleya to normal room humidity after it's time to "remove" the tent?

Thanks