Watering question - Orchid Board

Manu · #1 03-22-2016, 11:55 AM

Hello everyone,

This is for sure a newbie question but I've never owned catasetum type orchids... I have 3 new plants purchased from the orchid expo montreal this past weekend. They are mature plants in dormancy (Cycd Taiwan Gold' Taywan Orange, Catasetum tenebrosum x cycnoches warscewiczii, Catasetum Jack of diamonds). 2 out of the 3 have very small new growth poking out while 1 is still completely dormant. When I purchased them the moss was a bit humid and the lady recommended watering them weekly even in dormancy which goes against everything I've read so far. Should I wait until I reach 3 inch root growth on the new bulb, water now, keep humid by misting. All 3 are plump and don't seem to be in need of water...

Is the rule different for newly purchased plants, I know they came from Taiwan specifically for the expo so I assume those plants have been starved from light water etc for a few weeks on their trip here... will watering help it come out of dormancy?

I'm a bit confused! Please help

Thanks in advance

Orchid Whisperer · #2 03-22-2016, 12:37 PM

I don't grow Catasetum, but I am curious what advice you get here. Advice you have previously read is what I have heard/read as well.

isurus79 · #3 03-22-2016, 01:03 PM

No water! None! I think folks just getting into this group should follow some hard and fast rules until they get some experience under their belt (i.e. they've killed several plants in this group). Follow this advice: Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts

I understand Fred often doesn't begin watering his plants until after Memorial Day.

katrina · #4 03-23-2016, 07:10 AM

Like Isurus said...hold the water!

Aside from all the other info...most of the time imports have very poor roots on the old pbulbs and uptake of any water would be very unlikely. At this point, you'd risk doing more damage than good if you did any watering. Those growths are super healthy and should have no problem supporting the developing new growths. Just make sure you're giving them plenty of light right now...the more light and warmth they get at this stage of growth, the faster they'll grow.

Manu · #5 03-23-2016, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katrina

Like Isurus said...hold the water!

Aside from all the other info...most of the time imports have very poor roots on the old pbulbs and uptake of any water would be very unlikely. At this point, you'd risk doing more damage than good if you did any watering. Those growths are super healthy and should have no problem supporting the developing new growths. Just make sure you're giving them plenty of light right now...the more light and warmth they get at this stage of growth, the faster they'll grow.

Thanks for that.

Yes that is correct the roots are in bad shape, however the bulbs are nice and plump.

Is FULL non shaded all day sun with little to no day night temp variation good?

Also, I'd like to clarify how deep they should be potted. Since they don't have many roots and the media is bone dry, I kind of need to pot it deep in the pot so it holds up right.. is that a problem? Will the new growth find it's way out fast enough? Should I keep them out of the pot???? The smallest one the new growth is at the surface, the medium one the new growth is still Whiteish and about half to 3/4 inch under the media. The 3rd one with still no apparent growth (the biggest one) is potted at least 1 inch within the pot?

Is that OK? Any recommendations will be highly appreciated

Thanks

jcec1 · #6 03-23-2016, 08:59 AM

I'm no expert but I shallowly planted mine and used canes and wires to keep it stable.

Manu · #7 03-23-2016, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcec1

I'm no expert but I shallowly planted mine and used canes and wires to keep it stable.

OK I feel stupid now not sure why I didn't think of that before... OK all done... repotted, dry and will not water, in full sun. Will have a look once in a while to monitor the new growth and water once I reach that 3 in root growth.

Thanks guys