Clowesia Rebecca Northern Makabi

[Bamanana]

I just scored this clowesia at an orchid show. It has been on my wish list for some time. The vendor, who was VERY knowledgeable and offered abundant information on every orchid he sold, said that this clowesia did not get a dry winter rest like catasetums, but needed some water during dormancy. I still bought it because it’s GORGEOUS, but how much is “some” and how often do I give it water? I just researched the hell out of caring for my Millennium Magic and in the end, decided to do it Steven Van Kampen-Lewis’ way. (Thanks for the great tutorials!) But, alas, I cannot find info about watering clowesia during their dormancy. Do one of you grow this orchid? Can I please get some guidance? Please be specific! I make bad choices when left on my own to figure stuff out. This orchid is very special and I want to get it right the first time. Thanks!

[Roberta]

I have Cl. Rebecca Northen 'Grapefruit Pink'. I treat it like the rest of my Catasetinae, dry in winter. It puts out spikes in January or February, on completely bare pseudobulbs, and I still don't water it (maybe a teensy spritz, but very, very little if any) As it is blooming, new growth just starts. I wait for the new growths to be well developed, and to the extent that I can see them, the roots 2-3 inches at least before I start watering. I'm sure this isn't the only approach that works, it works for me. (Plants are in the greenhouse, so there is some humidity, that may make a difference if you're growing in the house with really low humidity due to heating and cold outside temps)

[isurus79]

I also give my Rebecca Northen a hard rest.

Some of the species might need different dormancy conditions than "typical" Catasetum care, but I haven't been able to get my hands on many of them to test out the theory!

[Bamanana]

Hard rest it is. Thank you both very much.