Cycnoches barthiorum: still green?

[boytjie]

I recently received a Cycnoches barthiorum in the mail, an eBay purchase after I decided to try my hand at a new alliance I've never grown before. From what I understand, Catasetums should be in dormancy at the moment, leafless and requiring hardly any water until spring. However, mine arrived in full, healthy leaf. Not sure what do to now: should I let it keep growing, or should I cut off the leaves and force it into dormancy? Is it possibly too late in the season for forced dormancy?

Thanks for the help from you Cycnoches experts!

[orchideric]

Dear Stephen,

Seedlings don't always act like adults. Don't cut off any leaves. Grow it normally with minimal, if any, fertilizer and the leaves will yellow and drop off at their own pace. It may simply start a new growth without ever going into a complete dormancy.

If it looks okay don't panic.

Hope that helps, Eric

[isurus79]

I agree with Eric. The trick with these guys is to let them tell you what they want. If you see the bottom couple of leaves turn yellow and drop off, then you can stop watering. If all the leaves are healthy, just keep watering. I only pull mine in to the 'dormant corner' when the bottom leaves start falling off.

[boytjie]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I agree with Eric. The trick with these guys is to let them tell you what they want. If you see the bottom couple of leaves turn yellow and drop off, then you can stop watering. If all the leaves are healthy, just keep watering. I only pull mine in to the 'dormant corner' when the bottom leaves start falling off.

Thanks, Steve and Eric. It's always a bit dodgy when you try a brand new species. It's easy to keep second-guessing yourself. I appreciate the advice!