Fred's sale

[gngrhill]

SVO is having a sale on dormant catesetums. I ordered one just because I have never tried one before. A new learning experience. He even included a free one with it.

[isurus79]

Nice! I got my Catasetum denticulatum in the mail from this sale on Wednesday.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I opted out. I haven't tried this one either. I was just reading again about them this morning. They didn't interest me at all at first but they are staring to get my attention. Why is that? gngrhill you will have to let me know how you like them. My new thing is his Auzzie Den. ......one thing at a time.

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

I opted out. I haven't tried this one either. I was just reading again about them this morning. They didn't interest me at all at first but they are staring to get my attention. Why is that? gngrhill you will have to let me know how you like them. My new thing is his Auzzie Den. ......one thing at a time.

I got an Aussie Den from him last year. Australian Artist.
It now has a well grown new growth. Supposed to be bloom size, but I don't see much happening on that front.

[NYCorchidman]

This groupe never really interested me before, either, until I saw one in bloom.

It was Cyc. Golden Shower, beautiful yellow flowers of swan shape with banana fragrance!!!

There are a few different subgroups, so you might find something to like.

I like cycnoches the most and I still do not like others in the group actually.

Aussie Dens are great, but I just can't give them proper winter.

Good luck with what you end up with!

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

I opted out. I haven't tried this one either. I was just reading again about them this morning. They didn't interest me at all at first but they are staring to get my attention. Why is that? gngrhill you will have to let me know how you like them. My new thing is his Auzzie Den. ......one thing at a time.

Maybe because the blooms are so unique. I'm not fond of the way the plant grows, I kind of like leaves, but some of the blooms are so outstanding.

[fishmom]

Granted that those dormant bulbs are not terribly attractive, for the most part, but the moment when you see that first bit of green start growing--sublime!

I bought a Ctsm. Louise Clarke 'Simply Fantastic' x Ctsm denticulatum 'SVO' in January. It is just starting to grow. It's so exciting!

[estación seca]

These things are really amazing. People have trouble with them in three areas:

1 Spider mites when leafed out. You have to be extra vigilant. I now spray mine with rubbing alcohol prophylactically every week when in leaf, the way I have to treat plumerias and jasmines.

2 They need far more water and fertilizer during the growing season than anything other than a bog orchid. These are NOT orchids to "let get almost dry between waterings."

3 You have to stop watering completely in December (northern hemisphere), even if still in leaf, and not water them at all - no spraying - until the new roots are 3" to 5" long.

[gngrhill]

One of mine has a tiny new green growth, but the other is still doing nothing. I did actually read on another site that you should water the old roots just a bit to keep them from drying up totally and die. I have kept mine dry as that's the general thought. But, there is some logic in saving the old roots as opposed to having them all die and depending on the new roots to keep the plant going. I do understand the 3 to 5 inch thing as baby roots are not able to absorb water.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by gngrhill

But, there is some logic in saving the old roots as opposed to having them all die and depending on the new roots to keep the plant going.

Don't do it! Unless you're an advanced grower of these guys, no need to chance it. Just let it be until those root are niiiiiice and long!