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

[isurus79]

All three seem to have leaves! All three also seem to have new growth which are actively growing! I have a feeling that the "leafless" plant had an old p-bulb that finally shed its leaves. This happens when the winter rest was not harsh enough for the previous year's growth to get scared and go into hibernation, thus shedding its leaves. No, I would continue to water all three plants because they all have new growth. Cut back on watering (I think you said 2x per week) until you see some shrivelling of the old bulbs, then begin a water regimine that is a bit wetter. Basically, you want to water just enough to keep the old bulbs plump, but not enough to rot the roots! Its a bit of a tightrope walk that you need to tailor to your particular conditions. For example, I water my plants every day for most of the year. Not because its hot, but because there is a pretty strong wind that dries them out. You might have warmer conditions than me (thus causing higher evaporation rates), but not as much air movement (thus lowering evap rates, comparitively). You just need to be very vigilant with your plants and check on them every day. These plants will actually tell you everything you need to know about their needs as long as you are paying attention. Actually, I think all orchids are that way. Take an environmental inventory around with your plants, see what the conditions are and what end result they will cause, take into account your schedule and watering habits and then tailor a care regimen that what works for you! Dont forget to post of this fall's blooms too!!

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by isurus79

All three seem to have leaves! All three also seem to have new growth which are actively growing!

Sorry Steve, I should have mentioned, this pic is from about a month ago. The catasetum on the left is the one that's bald now. Recent pics wouldn't show anything as I repotted it already...it's just leafless now, is the difference.

Originally Posted by isurus79

Cut back on watering (I think you said 2x per week) until you see some shrivelling of the old bulbs, then begin a water regimine that is a bit wetter. Basically, you want to water just enough to keep the old bulbs plump, but not enough to rot the roots!

Jackpot! This right here is exactly what I needed to know in order to act intuitively on their behalf. Thanks so much. I've been given a lot of great advice but I was never sure how to recognize what was applicable to my little guys. I wasn't sure what I should be looking out for. The bulbs appearance, according to how you've described, will be how I gauge myself for watering.

Originally Posted by isurus79

These plants will actually tell you everything you need to know about their needs as long as you are paying attention.

As with all my others, this is soooooooo true! Now I know what to pay attention to, thanks to you.