Catasetum growing a new p-bulb now???

[Yazz]

This year was my first try to bloom a Fdk. After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl'. Figured out in December that they bloomed without leaves, so no fertilizer and once a week watering schedule was started. Her leaves fell after that.

Low and behold, something started peeping out. Found out it's not a bloom, but a new p-bulb growing roots.

It's not spring yet, so I haven't repotted her.

1. Did I confuse her with a late semi-dry period?

2. Should I start the regular summer feeding routine?

3. Should I repot her, or not mess with the roots? They are growing down, not out, like I thought they would.

[PaphMadMan]

A plant in growth needs conditions to support growth. The plant is not obligated to consult the calendar. What your plant is actually doing always takes precedence over a theoretical schedule.

If it was my plant I would go ahead and repot, the sooner the better.

[Yazz]

Thank you PaphMadMan! Going to carefully repot tomorrow.

[My Green Pets]

I agree. She wants to grow, so ... you've got to go with her.

[isurus79]

Yep, this one will need to be watered in a month or so. But why are you repotting it? The media looks fine and the pot size will work for at least another growth, more likely two.

[Yazz]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Yep, this one will need to be watered in a month or so. But why are you repotting it? The media looks fine and the pot size will work for at least another growth, more likely two.

Understand what you're saying about not repotting. These plants are very hardy.

I like to put layers of slow release Osmocote in the new medium each year.

[Yazz]

With two roots hiding in the back, looks like there is more than three inches total of new root growth. Going to wean her back on the summer feeding schedule.

Had the plant tilted back to show more of the roots. The new growth is really smaller than the p-bulbs.

[fishmom]

That's a healthy looking new growth. It will fatten up as it absorbs water and nutrients during the growing season. It may yet surpass the previous p-bulbs.

[Yazz]

Thank you FishMom!

Looking forward to watching the new growth transform into another p-bulb.

The cycles of nature are amazing!

[No-Pro-mwa]

These are odd looking orchids, but the bulbs are kind of cool looking.