No rest for the (wicked) Catasetum OR a weekend of dormancy.....

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Isurus79 has lots of experience with Catasetinae, and some videos that he has made that are stuffed with useful info... Suggest that you search the Board for his contributions. But this group of orchids is quite amazing at how dry they can be and show no desiccation.

Thanks for the kind words! I also agree with you that this one should be left alone for a bunch of months.

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

Thanks Roberta! Would you advise that I let it full dry out or maintain a little moisture?

I know the prevailing logic is to let it be so I am not looking to buck the wisdom of those who have much more experience.

Thanks signin!

There's no need to water until the roots are 4" long or longer, if possible!

[DirtyCoconuts]

Okay....I’ll try...it’s very hard not to water a plant in this weather.

Am I allowed to let the roots completely dry out?

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I have stopped watering, still have quite a few green leaves. Like children at bedtime, "I'm not sleepy, mommy" ... Eventually they'll nod off.

hahahahaha...... I was actually going to type something like that in the previous post. Except, I was going to write - you don't want to sleep?! Ok ..... I'll soon fix that. hahaha.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

Okay....I’ll try...it’s very hard not to water a plant in this weather.

Am I allowed to let the roots completely dry out?

Yup. Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids (the source of your plant... one of the top breeders of Catasetinae on the planet) tells the story of a customer in New York who described the frustration of finding a "dead" Catasetum as she was bringing in plants for the winter and tossed the pseudobulb behind her, where it ended up behind the sofa. Next spring she's doing the seasonal cleaning, finds this plant on the floor, with a big sprout! Not so dead! Don't recommend tossing these behind the couch, but they do want to be completely ignored until they're quite well developed in spring. Better to start watering a little late than too early. Also check out Sunset Valley Orchids - Catasetinae Culture

One of the nice things about this group... when leaves get ratty, insect-damaged or sunburned, the next year you get a whole fresh batch (unlike a Cattleya that, when damaged, stays that ugly way for years)

---------- Post added at 09:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:53 PM ----------

Originally Posted by SouthPark

hahahahaha...... I was actually going to type something like that in the previous post. Except, I was going to write - you don't want to sleep?! Ok ..... I'll soon fix that. hahaha.

The ones that start sprouting early are like the kid who whines in the middle of the night "I want a glass of water" ... if you give any, only a bit, and send them back to bed.

[DirtyCoconuts]

My daughter. Lol.

So many “needs” at bed time

[DirtyCoconuts]

well it looks like twins on one of the Catasetums….is that normal or will one of them die ?

Stuff by J Solo, on Flickr


this guy is looking beefy
Stuff by J Solo, on Flickr

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

well it looks like twins on one of the Catasetums….is that normal or will one of them die ?

They can make two new growths... no worries, enjoy the show. Just don't be quick to jump back in with water. It is really, really tempting. Much better to wait a bit longer than necessary than to do it too soon.

[DirtyCoconuts]

i am exercising EXTREME restraint LOL.

i have to point the spray wand at it and pretend to water them hahahaha

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

i am exercising EXTREME restraint LOL.

i have to point the spray wand at it and pretend to water them hahahaha

[DirtyCoconuts]

question?

this new growth is headed right for the little wire guide i made to hold the old bulb in place...should i guide the new growth outside of the wire so it can full develop or under the wire and it will figure it out..my gut says to guide it OUT of the wire but i am new to this family

Show by J Solo, on Flickr

---------- Post added at 10:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------

also- all three of my catasetums appear to throwing TWO new growths...i cant be that lucky so i know some will terminate but still....very exciting

Show by J Solo, on Flickr

Show by J Solo, on Flickr