You know, I just started doing this last week on my squash, tomatoes, and Catasetums! I hope it works!

Interesting thought just came to mind after reading this. First year of growing catasetums I had them on a shelf where I also have an auto mister for some plants. The next year (2022) put them on a different shelf where there aren't misters. That's the year I had spider mites for the very first time. Didn't know what I was dealing with and the Catasetums got eaten badly. Perhaps it's time to find room back on that misting shelf, or extend mist to another shelf. Hmmmmmm....

I think you’re onto something!!

as the resident guy who does not typically follow conventional growing methods for collectors i feel it is important to remind all the people who are new to this genus, they are very tough and very adaptable and you can, no, MUST, tailor the instructions to your conditions.

i will also add that Fred makes himself unbelieveably available and really freaking loves these plants. i am no great customer, i buy a couple plants a year, maybe, but he answers my emails in a day or less, has follow up questions, has asked for more pictures to help etc.

he has told me that he does not recommend ANY of the growing techs he uses for me bc the conditions are that different and he helped me a lot to deal with always getting female flowers.

so, follow the advice, especially Steven's and then learn what to completely disregard lol

Fred Clarke is the best!! I am a orchid newbie and a complete nobody, but he answers ALL my emails promptly and even talks on the phone. ROBB

I do believe that the Galeandra greenwoodiana Fred sent is starting to spike!

All the catasetums I received had yellowing and browning leaves. They got lost for a day in the mail and we were having 110 degree days here.

No big deal, but a week later I left for 10 days. I left lights and watering setup going with varying success.

But the biggest mishap was my Catasetum Ivaneae 😭😭. This was the one that prompted me to order. Hopefully another growth will start or Fred offers more in August 😭😭

https://i.imgur.com/VcoiPJa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2FKYlrU.jpg

is that little bulb still firm? if so you are set back one year, MAX. i suspect it might try push another growth now but might just wit until next year.

let the roots dictate what you do now and then as the other plants make the move to dormancy, treat this one the same.

i had this happen to 4 similar sized plants a few years ago and they are all vigorous and blooming now

look at the top left of this pic- those four pots in the dish were all looking exactly like yours two years ago....and i have not babied or been kind to them lol

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bc2df7c7_c.jpgUntitled by J Solo, on Flickr

My Galeandra greenwoodiana that I received a couple weeks ago is also in spike. Do these always push terminal spikes?

[IMG]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...25e1ed1c_o.jpgUntitled by Eric, on Flickr[/IMG]

Mine spiked the first year I bought it (last year), and is the first of the catasetums to bloom this year. Very vigorous grower for me.

---------- Post added at 08:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 AM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clawhammer (Post 1007550) Mine Galeandra greenwoodiana that I received a couple weeks ago is also in spike. Do these always push terminal spikes? [IMG]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...25e1ed1c_o.jpgUntitled by Eric, on Flickr[/IMG]

Yep, always in the center and continues to bloom from that spike all season.

---------- Post added at 08:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:50 AM ----------

Yes, still firm. Thanks for the reassurance, I was so heart broken. My trip set back a lot of my orchids and houseplants. About 30% of my collection is in ICU now 😭. Maybe no more trips in the hottest part of the year!