Trigger new root growth in Catasetinids?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by SandraL

I've been having similar problems with my two hybrids. They seemed to be growing roots just fine and then suddenly they stoped growing.

My Cycnoches loddigesii x Catasetum pileatum grew several roots and leaves. When the roots were long enough I started watering a bit and when I noticed they were absorbing water I increased watering. Then it just stopped, roots and leaves. The roots still absorb moisture but as far as I can see there is no growth. I do need to add that I have moved to another apartment, so perhaps it did not like the change.

My Catasetum charlesworthii x ornithoides had nice roots when I got it so I gave it a bit of water every now and then (I keep it in my office at work, so it didn't change environment). It grew like crazy for a while, the leaves are huge but there was not much root development. As far as I can see the leaves are still growing and the root tips look green but not gowing anywhere.

The first one is in a west-facing window, getting near direct sunlight. The second one is in room with a south-east window but was shaded until today, when I put her in a place with more light. I wonder if it's the crazy weather we've been getting here this year that is causing them to act strange?

At your latitude, you could put these outside in full sun all day long and you might still not be giving them enough sun!

[SandraL]

Originally Posted by isurus79

At your latitude, you could put these outside in full sun all day long and you might still not be giving them enough sun!

Thanks for the advice, will do so

[Trollsvans]

Declared the poor sod dead last night. Bulbs shrivelled and softish, leaves bleached and mottled and starting to come loose. No sign of any roots, and rapidly fading life signs.
I guess I'd better make sure the specimen is in better shape next time I give it a try.

[My Green Pets]

That's a shame. My Mormodia (Clowesia x Mormodes) has three new growths this spring, but when the flush of new roots started, they abruptly stopped when they hit the medium. I can only guess that there were too many built up salts on the surface of the bark, even though I couldn't see any white residue.

I cleaned all the medium from the plant, cut off all dead roots, and repotted in lose sphagnum. I am pretty sure that if roots won't grow in new, clean sphagnum, they won't grow in anything. We shall see.

[SandraL]

Originally Posted by SandraL

Thanks for the advice, will do so

I'm happy to report that the extra light is doing something. A lot of root tips have shown up and the old ones are extending. Thanks again for the advice! It works like a charm

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by SandraL

I'm happy to report that the extra light is doing something. A lot of root tips have shown up and the old ones are extending. Thanks again for the advice! It works like a charm

Excellent!