Catasetum not dropping leaves

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by brsucculents

I realize this is an out thread. This warm weather and many of my Catasetinae with leaves this year make me wonder how Stephen's experiment went. I found it interesting that Katrina doesn't force here seedlings into dormancy. So is there a need for them to go dormant to initiate new growth or bloom? I do have several small divisions of Fredclarkara that have leaves and are starting to put out new growths

Randy,
The experiment went well and my plants bloomed normally, though maybe a bit later in the season than normal. Roy Tokunaga also doesn't give his Catasetinae a rest. If you can keep them warm, there doesn't seem to be a need for an extended rest.

[katrina]

Steve, your leaves never turned and dropped? The leaves on most of mine always begin to "go" even before I start reducing the water.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by katrina

Steve, your leaves never turned and dropped? The leaves on most of mine always begin to "go" even before I start reducing the water.

Katrina,
This experiment was when I lived in Hawaii, so the leaves would often fall on their own, but sometimes they would only partially fall off. Either way, I kept watering the experiment plants whether their leaves dropped or not. New growths often popped up pretty quickly.

[brsucculents]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Randy,
The experiment went well and my plants bloomed normally, though maybe a bit later in the season than normal. Roy Tokunaga also doesn't give his Catasetinae a rest. If you can keep them warm, there doesn't seem to be a need for an extended rest.

And they put up new growth in the Spring?

---------- Post added at 04:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------

Originally Posted by isurus79

Katrina,
This experiment was when I lived in Hawaii, so the leaves would often fall on their own, but sometimes they would only partially fall off. Either way, I kept watering the experiment plants whether their leaves dropped or not. New growths often popped up pretty quickly.

Ok, very interesting. If I had several seedling I would do an experiment. I don't see why keeping them growing would be detrimental to the plant long term. It seem like it would help. Longer time with leaves in sun --> more energy and food --> more growth and flowers.

On the other had, this dormancy thing is ideal for people without a greenhouse or limited winter growing space.

I really appreciate your knowledge Steve. So often we here stuff without a factual basis. Unless you experiment (i.e. scientific method) we'll just end up with folklore and myths.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by brsucculents

And they put up new growth in the Spring?

They put up a new growth in winter and often put up another growth in summer.

Originally Posted by brsucculents

I really appreciate your knowledge Steve. So often we here stuff without a factual basis. Unless you experiment (i.e. scientific method) we'll just end up with folklore and myths.

I have experimented much of my collection into oblivion! This year has been especially tough on my plants. However, I think it makes a person a much better grower in the long run though.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Katrina,
This experiment was when I lived in Hawaii, so the leaves would often fall on their own, but sometimes they would only partially fall off. Either way, I kept watering the experiment plants whether their leaves dropped or not. New growths often popped up pretty quickly.

Interesting. When my compot plants are ready to split out I might have to give this a try and see what happens. Thanks.