Monnierara Millennium Magic 'Witchcraft' high new growth

[tjselwyn]

I've just received a Monnierara Millennium Magic 'Witchcraft', my first catasetum type, and I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do with it - it has a small new growth, but it's very high up on the old pseudobulb.

I've seen advice on repotting them horizontally across the surface of the media so roots from the new growth will go straight down to it, but I'm not sure how to do that with this plant, which has multiple pseudobulbs. Could I cut this one off to do that? Or if cutting this one off would be OK, could I just cut it close to the new growth and repot it in the normal, vertical way?

Alternatively, would it be viable to wait for the new growth to develop and grow substantial roots while still attached, then remove it from the pseudobulb and pot it separately?

Finally, I'm a little concerned because the new growth is damaged (second photo); it looks like something might have taken a bite out of it. Is this problematic, or is there a chance it'll continue to grow despite the damage?

Thanks in advance!

[isurus79]

If it were me, I'd water the plant and let it stay wet and warm for a few days to fatten those back bulbs. Then I'd pot it horizontally, as you mentioned. You can tie the bulbs together so they fit into a notch you cut into the side of the pot. I've got several Cycnoches like that right now.

[tjselwyn]

Ok, I’ll give that a go. Thanks!

[SouthPark]

If those leaves keep getting longer from that little outgrowth, then it will be absolutely fine.

[tjselwyn]

They haven't grown any more yet, but fingers crossed. It has decided to put out another growth, though - even higher up - so hopefully at least one of them will work out.

[Leisesturm]

I just ordered one of these and, not being awful, but I sincerely hope mine looks better than the one pictured. To be honest I have trouble believing it is a Millenium Magic. Something just looks 'off' with the proportions of the canes.

It is badly shriveled indeed. One hopes it was not a commercial vendor dispersing these. Watering it now will set back the emergence of the new growth. It made it this far, another couple of weeks won't kill it.

Is there no growth at the base of the plant whatsoever? There is no hurry. Wait and see what this plant is going to do. Have you consulted with it's source? I personally would sooner wait until the new shoot is strong enough to live on its own and separate it from the old plant than partially burying the old plant. But that's me. I've never come across this kind of growth habit before.

Edit: comparison photos

[tjselwyn]

It was from a commercial nursery, one that I've ordered quite a few orchids from and for the most part have been very happy with. But no, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, and I was quite disappointed.

That said, though there are no new growths from the base at all, the one it came with has finally taken off and seems to be growing pretty quickly, and the second one that's appeared higher up is coming along too - I've attached a new photo. So I'll see how it pans out...fingers crossed.

[Leisesturm]

Well, for what it's worth, here is 'Mona' unboxed just now. Don't see the roots but the size of the new growths means watering starts today. She will have tight shoes but can probably stay in this pot if I clip it to something.

If I didn't know better I'd think your plant is a Dendrobium of some kind. The growth could be Catasetinae but the canes (Mona doesn't have any) say Den. Luckily there are pretty large overlaps in the care of many of our favorite genera.

You probably can't go wrong if you give it Cattleya level light and water it (is that sphag?) once or twice a week. I also like to use Superthrive or some other kind of transplant shock therapy on a plant like yours.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

If I didn't know better I'd think your plant is a Dendrobium of some kind. The growth could be Catasetinae but the canes (Mona doesn't have any) say Den. Luckily there are pretty large overlaps in the care of many of our favorite genera.

You probably can't go wrong if you give it Cattleya level light and water it (is that sphag?) once or twice a week. I also like to use Superthrive or some other kind of transplant shock therapy on a plant like yours.

Definitely the Catasetum group... prior advice is right on. Especially when a growth isn't doing well, growth up on the p-bulb is normal, and the approach that the OP is taking looks good to me.

[tmoney]

Originally Posted by tjselwyn

It was from a commercial nursery, one that I've ordered quite a few orchids from and for the most part have been very happy with. But no, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, and I was quite disappointed.

That said, though there are no new growths from the base at all, the one it came with has finally taken off and seems to be growing pretty quickly, and the second one that's appeared higher up is coming along too - I've attached a new photo. So I'll see how it pans out...fingers crossed.

nice!! i would judge that a successful experiment!! cheers to stephen for the great suggestion.

does this method also work with things like dendrobiums??