cycnoches giving mixed signals?

[OrchidLoverSA]

Hi guys,

On Wednesday I bought a cycnoches warscewiczii and a cynoches Taiwan gold at the WOC. Both are big, fat, leafless and in sphagnum moss. Everywhere I read that one should stop watering once they are in this state, but on both of them I can see little nubbins that the vendor assured me are emerging flower spikes.

So, should I water normally while the flower spikes form and then let them go into dormancy after, or should I take a cue from the leaves?

I know I should have asked the vendor, but it was a madhouse with everyone grabbing for leafless bulbs, I'm sure it looked quite funny to the non-orchid crazed people.

Thanks a lot.

[isurus79]

The dormant bulbs have plenty of energy and don't need water to grow the flowers. Leave 'em dry until the new growth gets big enough and check out this link: Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts

[OrchidLoverSA]

Thanks so much, I have already killed one in the past and so have no intention of doing it again...

[euplusia]

Without leaves the plant cannot evaporate water. I leave mine potted with intact root system over the winter rest period here. Every 10 days or so I give a little bit water alongside the edge of the pot. Just enough to keep the root system alive and prevent the bulbs from shriveling. Eventually bring the plants indoors.

[catwalker808]

Orchidlover.

You're a little further north than Taiwan. Your plant probably came from Jumbo.

This is about the time of year that these plants would start initiating. However, this is not yet their time for dormancy. I would guess that if you check the tops of the bulbs, you might notice that the leaves may have been removed. Catasetum & cycnoches leaves do not ship well. The plants are fine, but if the plants are in a box for a length of time, the leaves will drop off. Rather than deal with dead leaves, I often just strip them off before I ship them on a week long trip, since they fall off anyway. Your vendor might have done that. Direct contact with some styrofoam packing material will also make catasetum leaves burn & drop off.

Normally, this early, your plants would have probably still had their leaves, until the flower spikes were much more developed. Nothing wrong with your plant, it's just a month ahead in its season, probably from being in a box. Your plant's not dormant yet, it's just lost its leaves prematurely & is developing its flower spike. You need to provide enough water for it to flower, but it's not producing any vegetative growth right now.