First Catasetum/Catasetinae - Monnierara Millenium Magic Witchcraft

[chiirioz]

Hello all!

I am here for my second post... and again, asking for assistance of course. My two phals are doing good in a 60-40 bark and NZ spag mix and I unmounted the mini despite most saying to keep on the mount. I just don't have the time to water it everyday. I think my negligence with plants = success with orchids.

SO... I got my first big-girl orchid today in the mail I couldn't help myself, I just fell in love with the elegant black flowers of the Monnierara Millenium Orchid... and finally after a year of going back and forth, I thought I would graduate to Catasetums and their hybrids.

I am TERRIFIED to say the least.

This full-grown baby seems to be in it's growing stage with a whole mess of roots in sphagnum moss which makes me super nervous in over-watering and rotting everything. It is in a 4" square pot but seems a bit too big for it as it's a bit wobbly. I want to move it into a 5 or 6" slotted standard orchid pot.

The shipper watered it very well and it is still moist after about 3 days in a dark box.

I hear you shouldn't repot until it is in it's dormancy phase. Should I wait? I will water it with a 1/4 or 1/2 strength 20-20-20 fertilizer and flush it often.

I should mention that I am in NYC with a (I thought North) but seems to be a full-on South facing window - very bright in the afternoon for about 4 - 5 hrs. Apt kept at 72-73F.

I'm excited but need help! THANK YOU - photos below and bonus dog for size.