Catasetum new shoots

[bil]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I agree with the above statements.

Bil- Remember that watering young roots in this group will cause them to stop growing. Wait until the roots are really, really long before you water. If you are not sure, then wait longer before applying water.

Now this is the sort of information I was looking for.

The watering kills the roots or just stops the roots growing?
How does that work please?

[bil]

Just been having a poke around, most of them have decided that spring is on it's way.. and new buds and shoots are busting out of almost every one.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by bil

Now this is the sort of information I was looking for.

The watering kills the roots or just stops the roots growing?
How does that work please?

I'm not sure how it works, but your roots will stop growing if they're too small and touch water. I've done it more times than I care to mention!

Originally Posted by bil

Just been having a poke around, most of them have decided that spring is on it's way.. and new buds and shoots are busting out of almost every one.

You'll probably end up waiting for your first water in April or May if they're just starting to grow now. The roots need be 3-4 inches long at minimum, but the plant can handle much longer roots and bulbs will fatten back up once water is applied. Keep 'em dry!!

[bil]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I'm not sure how it works, but your roots will stop growing if they're too small and touch water. I've done it more times than I care to mention!



You'll probably end up waiting for your first water in April or May if they're just starting to grow now. The roots need be 3-4 inches long at minimum, but the plant can handle much longer roots and bulbs will fatten back up once water is applied. Keep 'em dry!!

OK, thanks for that. That is just as weird as anything tho. Does anyone now how that works? Only the idea that water touching the roots will stop them growing is so counterintuitive.

Tell me. I can see that this all works easily enough when a dormant bulb pushes out a new spike, but with these, the bulbs are at the sort of state you would expect in summer, with well established, leafy bulbs.
Will keeping them dry for the next 2-3 months cause problems for these 'summer' pBulbs?

Also, another question please. Repotting Catasetum. Are they very sensitive to this, and need to be potted ONLY at a certain time, or are they more forgiving?

[bil]

Here's an interesting point on watering that differs from what a lot of people say.

http://www.aos.org/AOS/media/Content...ries-Ctsm6.pdf

This also on why the leaves are key.

"Catasetums have plicate leaves that unfurl as they grow. Any small amount of water entering the whorled leaf will rot the new growth before the leaves can unfurl. Wait until the new growth is 4 or 5 inches tall. Only then is it safe for you to water your plant. "