Catasetum purchase- water it or not

[BlueGirl1072]

Hello! I am new to this board and growing orchids. I purchased a Catasetum on Etsy and don’t know if I should water it or not. It had a spike that died but it still has a little nub at the base of the plant and the leaves are still green, should I continue to water it?

[lobotomizedgoat]

Hello, and welcome!

I'm no expert but the people at Sunset Valley Orchids are and they have some good resources, even have a Catasetinae newsletter.

Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts

Someone more knowledgeable should show up here soon too.

[StephaneL]

Welcome to Orchid Board!

Since it still has green leaves, I would not totally stop watering immediately. Depending where you are located, it is about time to start decreasing watering frequency.

Here in Southern California my catasetinae are just beginning to absorb less water. I will start letting them dry between watering in a few weeks. I will completely stop watering when all leaves are yellow, or at Christmas, whichever happens first.

[Roberta]

Welcome!
I agree with StephaneL, you can (and should) continue to water for another few weeks, or even a month, then start tapering the water gradually. No need to fertilize though. I'd even give it until New Years to stop watering completely if it hasn't dropped leaves by that time. It'll probably start going dormant by itself, sometimes you have to push it a bit, after New Years.

[isurus79]

I'd actually remove that new growth now and keep it dry

[BlueGirl1072]

Thank you for all your help.