Catasetum Seedling Dormancy

[turquoiseApples]

Hello Everyone,

I got my first catasetum (monn. millenium magic witchcraft) two weeks back as a tiny seedling with one pseudobulb and a new growth (not mature) with three leaves. The little guy is in sphagnum moss and I did not repot him. I watered him when I felt the moss was getting dry. But, subsequently, the three leaves it had dried and fell.

I am not sure what is wrong. Is it going into dormancy? If so shouldn't it mature the new growth before doing so?

My climate is currently changing from winter to spring. The temperature in my grow room is about 15C-18C.


Thank you so much for your help.

Pictures: Imgur: The magic of the Internet

[SaraJean]

It looks like the new growth has rotted. I’ve noticed that Mormodes and their hybrids rot easily, and quickly, if watered at the wrong time. This problem could have started in transport but your Monn. was dormant and just beginning to break dormancy with that new growth. The general rule of thumb is no water during dormancy and then wait until the roots on the new growth are at least 8-10cm long before you begin watering. When in doubt wait a little longer. Since it is so early in the year you should get another new growth coming off the old bulb. Just remember to wait for those new roots to get long before you start watering and fertilizing. All of the plants energy to make a new growth is going to come from the energy stored in that old bulb.

Here is a care sheet from Sunset Valley Orchids that is pretty easy to follow
Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts

[turquoiseApples]

Thank you SaraJean for the helpful reply.

I removed it from the pot it came in and it seems it was still in its sphagnum moss plug. Most of the larger roots are soft and the good ones are on the new growth. I will stop watering and wait to see the root growth.

I have one follow up question: Would it be alright for me to leave the rotten growth since most of the good roots are on it?

Thank you so much once again.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I would leave the dead growth on and wait to water.

[SaraJean]

If the new growth is not mushy or oozing, I would leave it. Anything mushy gets cut off on my plants, though

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

[turquoiseApples]

Thank you both for the reply. It is currently not mushy. I am keeping it dry and hoping it gets better. Fingers crossed!

[turquoiseApples]

Hello again,

I just wanted to write back and say that my seedling came back from its dormancy. SaraJean was right! The new growth is happy and enjoying the warm weather

[camille1585]

That's good to hear! Thanks for the update, it's not often that we hear what happened to an orchid with problems.

There's nothing Catts hate more than receiving water too early. I did learn a useful tip here if the old bulbs are shriveling up too much while the new growth starts: you can give a small spoonful of water once a week or so on the opposite side of the pot to where the new growth is.

[IngieBee]

I love that you came back and let us know how it went, thank you for that