Clowesia rosea: so many questions! - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Roberta · #11 05-10-2021, 01:36 PM

Nice roots! I think it's time. Go for it!

isurus79 · #12 05-10-2021, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theorchidapartment

Me again! Back with the classic question, should I start watering yet?

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New growth started in late February.

Wow, what a good way to track the growth! I've never seen this before. Great idea!

Personally, I like to let them wait as long as possible before watering, even if the roots have reached the minimum length. I'd give it another two weeks before watering, though you can certainly water now without ill effects.

theorchidapartment · #13 05-10-2021, 02:37 PM

Thanks to you both! It does seem like the back bulbs have a bit more to give, so I may hold off a bit longer.

I get the sense that people usually start to water too soon, but is there any sign (beyond shriveled back bulbs) that watering is happening too late?

SouthPark · #14 05-10-2021, 04:53 PM

O.A. ------ Fred Clarke even mentioned at one stage that - if bulbs become shriveled to some point, then adding a dash of water to the media can help plump them up again. Here, I also assume that it's a nice idea to also ensure that the temperature of the media and roots is good (warm). Relatively cold plus relatively wet is most likely the killer of roots.

I can also add that - in the tropics over here --- none of my catasetum bulbs ever get to any significantly shriveled stage. I can even sometimes add some water to the media (a dash of it only) during dormancy.

isurus79 · #15 05-10-2021, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theorchidapartment

Thanks to you both! It does seem like the back bulbs have a bit more to give, so I may hold off a bit longer.

I get the sense that people usually start to water too soon, but is there any sign (beyond shriveled back bulbs) that watering is happening too late?

Not for this group. Some Catasetums will put out a bloom spike as their new growth is just starting and will abort if you wait too long. Clowesia rosea is not one of those types (blooms in winter) and the bulbs can look like shriveled raisins before it get's too dehydrated and dies. The bulbs should get fat in a week or so after watering.