Irregular new growth on Catasetinae (Cycnoches and Fredclarkeara)

[SillyKeiki]

Hello, I would like to know if there is any information about these new growths I am having on two of my Catasetinae: the first pictures are from a Cycnoches lehmannii, and the second ones from a Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Black Pearl'.

These aren't your regular new growths that come from activating dormand "eyes" in the base of the last pseudobulb. These come from somwehre among the roots, maybe from a pseudobulb, but through an elongated stem that comes from it.

I can't find the real source because they come from from deep in the media and I don't want to dig up the plant. I removed some substrate to take a picture as best as I could. It comes from a thin, green stem, very different from the white dry roots next to it.

They almost look like this group seedlings, but I assure you, there weren't any seeds in the substrate, because they have been with me for a few years now, and the substrate has been changed several times, and I have never fertilised the flowers.

I can't seen to find any documentation of this phenomenom on the internet (and stupid SEO doesn't help at all).

Has this happened to any of you previously? I would love to learn more.

[Roberta]

I don't see anything unusual. There's a new growth on the small pseudobulb. I suggest just sitting back and enjoying the show. You can get new growths from various places. Once they do get into active growth in the spring (when the roots are 4 inches and the new leaves are developing well) remember that these need heavy fertilizing and lots of water. (They will be growing like a tomato plant, so fast that you can almost watch it grow, and have similar needs) I use a top dressing of time-release fertilizer to supplement the "standard" fertilizing that I do tor everything, since otherwise I can't give them enough.

[isurus79]

I think your plant is making keikis from the roots! This group does that from time to time and is pretty unique for orchids.

[SillyKeiki]

Wow, I had no idea they could do that. I have been expanting my collection of Catasetinae in the last few years, I have no trouble with their cycle, took pride on knowing most of the tricks, but heck, I didn't know they could put out new growths from the ROOTS??!!

Also couldn't find anything online on the subject.

Thank you very much for your reply!

[Jeff214]

I've had some of my cattleyas and dendrobiums develop new growths from the roots as well. I love all the mechanisms these plants have to keep on thriving!

[SillyKeiki]

I have been digging up a little bit in the substrate and it does seem to come from the roots...? I can't know for sure 100% because I was hoping to keep last years roots almost intact to see if they have an impact on the development of the new growth during the first weeks when I begin to water this season. That's why I don't want to dig up the whole plant.

My question is, is this phenomenom really possible? Are there pluripotent cells in the root meristems? I want to know the truth and there is no hecking documentation on the internets! It's frustrating me so much!

Here are two extra pictures of the little stem where it comes from.

[Roberta]

At this point in its growth cycle where it is already waking up, I personally would leave it alone - even if it ends up crowded in its pot. The new roots are already developing, and you don't want to risk damaging them. I do my repotting of Catasetinae in the dead of winter (like December/January), and except for enough moisture to make the sphagnum workable, they will stay dry. (That small amount of moisture in the sphag will dry quickly). But once the "action" starts, let it develop, sit back and watch the show.

[SillyKeiki]

Hello, Roberta

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.

However, growing Catasetinae is NOT what I am having trouble with. My Catasetina grow perfectly well, I know the rules, I respect them, I follow the growth cycle, I never water until roots are at least 10 cm long, you know the drill. And I get pretty big pseudobulbs!

I opened this thread to ask for the uncommon manner in which my Fredclarkeara and Cycnoches lehmannii had put out a new growth last season (apparently arising from the roots, instead of activating a growth point in the base of the latest pseudobulb).

I apologise if I haven't explained myself properly (English is not my first language). I hope this clears the issue.

Thank you again.

[Roberta]

Thanks for your reply... I understand the inquiry better now. I find that orchids keep producing surprises (Catasetinae especially), so I still just sit back and watch the show. They do what they do...