Clowesia in my grow chamber???

[smokinjoe1952]

I have looked at Clowesia recently, and they seem like a very interesting orchid. I understand the need for a dormant period, based on changing seasons.

My question would be if I could grow a Clowesia in my indoor, enclosed grow chamber. There is little difference between the actual seasons in terms of temp. and humidity in the chamber, although I do change daylight length a couple times each year.

My guess would be that the plant would go through the seasonal cycles even if it was in a non-seasonal chamber, with the grower needing to know when to stop watering, etc.

SJ

[estación seca]

Catasetinae are extremely high-light plants. Many are also quite large when happy - leaves plus pseudobulbs easily 2 feet / 61cm or more high.

[smokinjoe1952]

Both not a problem for my grow chamber. Any idea about seasonal requirements in a non-seasonal chamber?

The many pics of the Clowesia Rebecca Northen don't appear that tall. Maybe they are very young plants??

SJ

[Optimist]

Photoreceptors gauge how much light is shining on them, day and night length, this starts a cascade of plant hormones like florgen which begin the blooming sequence. This is all genetic, and pretty much programed deep in the plant RNA.

My guess would be that the plant would go through the seasonal cycles even if it was in a non-seasonal chamber, with the grower needing to know when to stop watering, etc.

Since the photoreceptors (phytochrome) of the plant would find no seasonal change, it is doubtful (to me) that their hormones/enzymes and so on would initiate the sequence needed at that time. The genetics need to be initiated.

[smokinjoe1952]

Just to clarify, I called it a non-seasonal chamber becuase it is in my house, but I do alter the photo period between about 11 hours and 14 hours in 30 minutes in the spring and fall. Is it possible that would initiate the cycle?

However, my temperature and humidity are fairly constant throughout the year.

[AvantGardner]

Clowesia grow close to the equator, where phytoperiod does not change a whole lot. Their seasonal cues are based more on temp and seasonal winds/ rains. They grow in deciduous forests where light intensity can vary greatly from season to season.

That being said, with the availability and price of Clowesia hybrids these days, I say go for it. They're pretty forgiving plants. One word of advice, high fert and air movement. Ok that was more than one word...

[smokinjoe1952]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know a good source?

[AvantGardner]

Try Fred Clarke at SVO. He's bound to have divisions. Stephen Moffit of Rare Earth Orchids puts out a division list each spring via his website. Also, I have seen several clones for sale on eBay through reputable vendors. Peter Lin of Big Leaf Orchids even had some a while back

[smokinjoe1952]

AG,

Thanks for the suggestions. I just ordered 2 Clowesia from Fred at SVO. They like bright light, so he said that the indoor grow chamber should work well. He also suggested I up my 25 ppm N at every watering to 50 ppm N. I thought they might want around 100 ppm N, but will obviously take Fred's advice. These should be an exciting new venture!. All in s/h to boot!

So, my assumption here is that these plants will go through their growth/dormant cycles even though conditions don't change drastically. The variables that I can manage are:

1. Photoperiod
2. Photo intensity
3. Water or stop watering when leaves begin to dry
4. Fertilize, I assume until leaves start drying up.
5. Temperature
6. Humidity

Once I list what I can control. it seems like more than what I was initially thinking. The only thing is that all my other orchids are in the same chamber.

I am not sure if I should remove them from the chamber during dormancy, or leave them in without watering.

Any advice in that regard?

SJ

[AvantGardner]

Sounds like a solid plan. Regarding dormancy, I leave all of my plants right where they're at, just withhold water. In nature, they receive bright sunlight by day and high humidity at night throughout winter. This helps keep pseudobulbs plump through the long months without water. Best of luck!