Monnierara Millenium Magic

[orchidsarefun]

well mine is not dormant at all - it had 2 new growths while having green leaves on the primary pseudobulb. I repotted - and then all these leaves fell off within 3 days ! New growths seem OK. Root system is impressive, not at all dried out.
I was advised at our Society meeting that dormancy in this group should never be forced and that if you have new growth, leaves etc, you should continue with weekly watering and then a fertiliser in Spring. I am following that advice. If the non-dormant plants all rot - then you know that it was bad advice !

not sure if you can see in the photo, but the 2nd growth is on the left....its still tiny



I also got hold of a deeper pot and will use these in future ( just can't find many ). I think they like deep but small...

[kindrag23]

Umm im a thinkin that is your new growth. For the season but I may be wrong.

[orchidsarefun]

update. Its been outside a couple of months. I had top-dressed with blood meal and dynagro extended release fertilizer granules. Unbelievably, we have had so much rain that I haven't watered any of the outdoor orchids once.

[lotis146]

I saw these plants at Hausermann's recently and was tempted to get one but I know nothing about them. Plus, the idea of a dormancy period sort of intimidates me. Taking on a new type of plant may be too much for me at the moment but I'm still curious what you think of this plant? Have you had it a while?

---------- Post added at 10:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:29 PM ----------

I haven't had to water my outdoor Orchids either!

[yeyatra]

Hi everyone
I'm a newbie here and a roockie growing catasetums... I hope you can guide me here.
I have a Monn. Millennium Magic growing a spike, I live in Miami, FL, growing outdoors... should I withhold water now or after the bloom is done?
Thanks

[orchidsarefun]

the rule of thumb appears to be you only reduce watering when leaves drop or when the bulb gets crinkly - and only then enough to keep the bulb plump. In high-humidity areas that may only be every 1-2 weeks, depending on your potting mix. I still water mine - it still has all its foliage and is indoors.

[Orchid Gurue]

Originally Posted by yeyatra

Hi everyone
I'm a newbie here and a roockie growing catasetums... I hope you can guide me here.
I have a Monn. Millennium Magic growing a spike, I live in Miami, FL, growing outdoors... should I withhold water now or after the bloom is done?
Thanks

You should continue watering until the leaves start to turn yellow. Stop all fertilizing at this time.

[yeyatra]

thank you both for your guidance

[orchidsarefun]

well...... I slowed down with the watering/fertilising and the leaves turned brown and fell off. So far, so good. However I took a close look today at the plant - and instead of flower spikes, I now have 2 new growths. They were facing the window so I couldn't see them.
I guess I will just have to let this skip dormancy, though will wait and see if these new growths grow on.
Does anyone have any other advice ?

[KristenReuel]

Mine skipped dormancy, and flowered beautifully afterwards. I've heard these plants in particular are prone to skipping dormancy.