what to do with Cycd Taiwan Gold after flowering

[MikeD]

Hi,
I live in Durban, South Africa. This is my first post on this forum. I have quite a few of "normal" orchids ie catalaya dendrobium etc. We have a hot and humid climate, so they grow quite easily. As a challenge I decided to try growing different and unusual orchids. I bought a few, one of which is a Cycd Taiwan Gold plant. It was in flower when I bought it, but is starting to drop it's flowers now. I would like to know what to do next. There are too many conflicting views online

[estación seca]

Hi MikeD, Welcome to the Orchid Board!

The best growing information I know comes from a vendor in California who breeds and sells this kind of orchid, Fred Clarke at Sunset Valley Orchids:
Catasetinae Plant Culture

These plants need very large amounts of sun, water and fertilizer when in active growth in the summer, and next to no water when dormant and leafless in the winter.

Some people living in areas where temperatures never drop below 13C / 55F are successful watering and feeding all year, and their plants don't go dormant. I know Durban is subtropical but I don't know the lowest temperatures you experience.

It's spring/summer where you live. Is your plant in full leaf, or just beginning to grow?

[MikeD]

Summers here are very humid and winters hardly ever go below 10 deg C. The plant has no leaves just 2 pseudo bulbs with the flower spike. I will put it with my Calanthe plants where it will get the sun and watering you suggest and monitor it for new leaves. Thanks.

[estación seca]

If it has no leaves, don't water it. Some plants in this group bloom during leafless winter dormancy. It is dormant now and hasn't begun growing yet this spring. Don't water until new roots are 8-15 centimeters long each. It will make new growth and new roots at about the same time. Don't be tempted to water until the roots are long enough.

[Regelian]

Mike,
welcome aboard!
As you mentioned that your plant is currently leafless and just finsihed blooming, it MAY be a recent import from the North hemisphere, which means it has not yet adapted to the seasons. As already mentioned, if no leaves, then no water. The general humidity will be enough in your climate. I would grow it outside in partial shade (your Sun is pretty hot). Once a new growth shows and the roots are about 5cm, then water almost daily and start fertilizing. This group of plants really responds to fertilizers compared to Cattleya. Otherwise, they actuall require similar culture, just the dry rest is a bit stronger. All this said, hybrids tend to move away from the norm, as they often have genes from parents with almost no dry cycle and remain in leaf for 18 months in some cases! In other words, let your plant tell you what it needs. My Taiwan Gold is just finished blooming and leafless. No water, just as much light as my climate gives (Germany!)

Jamie
PS: you're gonna love Catasetinae! Very rewarding plants.

[MikeD]

Hi All,
I did buy it from an importer so more than likley it came from the Northern Hemisphere.
Thanks for the advice will let it sit and relax for a month or 2.

[charlesf6]

Glad you joined the Board MikeD!

[MikeD]

Thanks, its nice to get solid advice takes the Google and guessing out of keeping orchids.