Bare-root, no-growth-yet catasetums - I need advice!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by SRF

When is soon? What do I wait to see before I begin watering? I stopped all watering about 2 weeks ago. And, the oldest bulb is shriveled so should I water once a week starting, now?

Ctsm. imperiale x Ctsm. (Thinger Dinger x expansum)

Sounds like an interesting hybrid. Cant wait to see it bloom! As for "when is soon," it will be when the roots on the new growth are a few inches long. If you cant see em growing, then just wait about a month to six weeks before watering at full tilt begins. The oldest bulb is actually supposed to shrivel, as it is providing all the energy for the new growth. I think watering once a week is fine for now, then begin watering more in 4-6 weeks, and be watering significantely more at 6-8 weeks from now.

[nancy]

Update!
After a 10-day road trip, I examined the 6 catasetinae and found signs of new growth on three of them. Small, and no roots, but I'm thinking that my dormant plants usually start to show growth (in my hemisphere, area, etc.) at just about New Years' - so, they are still on their schedule, but are starting growth.
isurus79 may be onto something - I will have flowers when all the others are dormant!
I suspect that they will turn around and adapt to this hemisphere in their own time, with no regard at all for my desires. Insensitive, yet dazzling.
Regards - Nancy

[isurus79]

Nice! I cant wait to see pics.

[Merlyn]

Originally Posted by nancy

I'm pretty sure it was Fred Clarke who had an article in Orchids magazine a few years ago (ah, when I could afford to belong to AOS!). His theory was to begin watering when the *roots* were a few inches long - regardless of what the foliage/not foliage was up to. I've found this to be good advice - after watering/assasinating some plants with impressive foliage growth but no roots.
Patience is not one of my virtues. Nancy

Actually it was Orchids, May 2007 "Growing Catasetums" by Fred Clarke. It was shortly after his visit to National Capitol OS where I pumped his brains to make sure I understood the culture of my newly acquired Cyc. Jean E. Monnier from him. Hard as it was to NOT water until roots were 3 to 4 inches long, it sure works when you follow his advice !! It's working again this year so he must be right !!

Merlyn

[nancy]

I'm sure the article was pre-2007 - I haen't been an AOS member for about 3 years...but why *wouldn't* the magazine have multiple articles about this most interesting and exciting of flowers?
The latest update: all six divisions have growth visible. The first couple are nearly well-developed enough to pot up - 3" of root, but only about 1-2" growths. Soon, soon.
Kind of interesting: the first three to show growths were the long, spindle-shaped pseudobulbs. The last three were the squatty kind of fig-shaped ones.
Fer what it's worth!
Many buds on Ctsm. expansums, and Clowesetums are starting to get pokey things. Life is good! And hot.
Regards - Nancy

[Merlyn]

Originally Posted by nancy

I'm sure the article was pre-2007

Don't be TOO sure !

Merlyn