Watering on Monn. Millennium Magic "Witchcraft" with spike AND new growth?!

[nzadro]

Hi everyone,

Monn. Millennium Magic "Witchcraft" is my first Catasetum type hybrid. I did all the reading before getting it to have an understanding on its care. One thing I did not foresee is the bulb spiking AND a new growth coming in. (Pictures attached if anyone can confirm this is was is actually happening.) I will add that there are still three leaves on the bulb (one is starting to yellow, but the other two are green).

I am stumped on what to do. Do I have to choose between continue watering for the blooms and the new growth possibly rotting; or just leaving it dry so the new growth comes in & start watering again when I see strong roots? OR can I have both?

Setting: I grow this in an enclosed orchidarium setting under LEDs.

[Clawhammer]

That spike doesn't look viable.

Good time to repot if that is in the plan.

[nzadro]

Originally Posted by Clawhammer

That spike doesn't look viable.

Good time to repot if that is in the plan.

Thanks Clawhammer. Could you tell me why the spike is not viable? Characteristics? It looks like it is green and coming out of the bulb. It is my first, so I have not seen it before.

[Clawhammer]

The spike looks brown to me, maybe the photo isn't clear. That's what a spike growth point/aborted spike looks like to me. The bulb is probably too small.

2021 will be a good year for this plant Happy New Year!

[nzadro]

Originally Posted by Clawhammer

The spike looks brown to me, maybe the photo isn't clear. That's what a spike growth point/aborted spike looks like to me. The bulb is probably too small.

2021 will be a good year for this plant Happy New Year!

Okay thanks! I can take a better picture when I get home, but I don't remember the spike being brown. But I also took the image at 7am and before coffee, hah!

So should I just keep watering & feeding it since it is not dormant? As for repotting, should I wait till the new bulb gets bigger?

Happy New Year to you as well

[Clawhammer]

Treat it like it is just coming out of dormancy. Repot now and then water when the new roots are 4-8" long or the old pbulb is severely wrinkled.

[nzadro]

Originally Posted by Clawhammer

Treat it like it is just coming out of dormancy. Repot now and then water when the new roots are 4-8" long or the old pbulb is severely wrinkled.

Thanks! I will take care of it this weekend. Appreciate your help!

[SouthPark]

NZ ----- catasetum type orchids do throw out some 'tricky' little things like that ...... such as those little tab growth structures on the side, which naturally catches the attention of people that are growing the orchid.

In many cases, those tabs may turn out to do nothing and dry up. But sometimes - those little bud things can become active and turn into something, like a flower spike.

[Roberta]

If you want to give a little water around the edges that's OK, but I think it is too early to start serious watering. Certainly no fertilizer yet. The plant can support the blooms on the reserves in the pseudobulb. With new growth, you want to wait until new roots are about 4 inches long. It's really hard to not water, but maybe put your hands in your pockets when you approach the plant. The beginning of new growth is too soon... you can rot the new pseudobulb or make the roots stall.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Clawhammer

Treat it like it is just coming out of dormancy. Repot now and then water when the new roots are 4-8" long or the old pbulb is severely wrinkled.

Originally Posted by Roberta

If you want to give a little water around the edges that's OK, but I think it is too early to start serious watering. Certainly no fertilizer yet. The plant can support the blooms on the reserves in the pseudobulb. With new growth, you want to wait until new roots are about 4 inches long. It's really hard to not water, but maybe put your hands in your pockets when you approach the plant. The beginning of new growth is too soon... you can rot the new pseudobulb or make the roots stall.

This is exactly right. No need for water at all until the new roots are minimum (waiting longer is actually better!) 4 inches long. Then start watering again.

---------- Post added at 01:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:36 PM ----------

Originally Posted by nzadro

Okay, so if I have this right:
- there is no spike, but new growth, i will add it has already gotten bigger. It seems the plant never went dormant.
- no watering as the large bulbs are hella plump and can sustain it. Or jist a tiny drink if bulbs are shriveling.
- repot soon, I have mine in pure sphag now (as it came from vendor), but plan to add some bark bits for extra aeration.
- post repot, no watering or fertlizing till new bulb roots are a few inches long.

I think this is exactly right!