Should I water or not?

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Errr, are you seriously disagreeing with Fred on this? How long have you been growing Catasetums?

I'm disagreeing with Fred on this. I wouldn't cut air-flow to my pot like that, especially when the pot has spaghnum in it.

I've been growing catasetum and orchids for 'long enough' to understand the importance of maintaining adequate aeration for roots. And plugging a pot of spaghnum (with an orchid growing in it) into a jar is expected to create issues for the roots and plant.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

I'm disagreeing with Fred on this

Bad idea. Again, how long have you grown this group? This is important for people wondering if they should believe you or Fred Clarke.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Bad idea. Again, how long have you grown this group? This is important for people wondering if they should believe you or Fred Clarke.

It's not about believing one side or the other. It's about what we have learned in terms of 'accumulated knowledge' from growers over the years. Accumulated sensible knowledge. One is - adequate aeration of roots - and avoiding water stagnation - is beneficial for root and plant health.

In my opinion - all these catasetum health issues (eg. watering too early coming out of dormancy etc) is not due to watering the plant early ----- it's due to unwanted conditions occurring for the plant - such as temperature too cold and/or water stagnation in pot (too wet media with not enough water movement) and/or inadequate aeration around roots and/or not enough air-movement (around leaves, stem, media and around roots).

I don't measure anyone against their years of growing experience. We are all students of orchid growing, and continue to learn - not just about growing orchids, but anything else in the world. We can share our experiences.

I focus on situations that will be or can be harmful to orchids, and apply methods that cut down on issues, or even (if possible) eliminate issues.