Catasetum coming out of dormancy and first roots aborted despite dry media?

[Friday'sChild]

Thank you everyone, for your insights

@isurus79 - I have seen marked improvement since implementing your suggestion; several tiny new roots are attempting to grow, and the ones that had been growing straight up are now curving back along the plant, towards the damp sphagnum.

The back bulbs are so badly withered at this point, I am nervous as to whether they may be lost, and how well this plant will recover for next year. I have heard they are pretty resilient, so fingers crossed that next year will be a new year, with no mistakes in it....

[isurus79]

I'm glad those root tips are coming back! Do you have another photo of the plant?

[Canadienne]

Here’s the pictures from my set up outside. My husband made the stands with random 3, 4and 5 “ holes and a set of wheels on the bottom, so I can drag and move them at will, in or outside. You can see the large plastic container with the egg crate in the bottom and 1/2” of water, with the catasetums in it. They’re growing great. There’s a separate lid to close it, so if temps are below 25C I do. I let the temp run up to 35C before either opening lid or pulling it back to a bit shadier area.

[Canadienne]

Hmmm. Not sure why pic 2 and 4 are such poor quality. But I guess you’ll get the drift. I have several more of these stands with cats, phrags, and the styrofoam box with young cyms is slated for a new stand.