Encyclia division

[estación seca]

I don't think it's likely to make new growth at 70 degrees F.

[Ray]

Have you considered immersing the old division in Kelpak/KelpMax solution?

1 ounce per gallon for a few hours ought to do it, then pot it back up and keep it very warm and shady.

[skirincich]

I will try the Kelpak/KelpMax soak soon. Thanks!

[SG in CR]

I found a Encyclia cordigera growing on a tree years ago and I didn't want to remove the plant from where it seemed to be thriving. But I did want a piece. So I cut off the two oldest still healthy p-bulbs, leaving the majority of the plant to keep growing where it was. I took those dormant bulbs and tied them to a tree in my yard, in nearly full sun. I was already thinking they were going to die because they had done nothing for nearly a year. Then one day I noticed a small bit of green. Before long it had two leaves and was starting to send out roots. I think Encyclias may just wait till they get the environmental cues that it's the right season for new growth. Till then they just sit tight holding on to what they have stored. Patience is probably was is called for here. I might occasionally mist it but many Encyclias here in CR can handle 3-4 months without water in very bright locations. I'd worry more about rotting them than not giving them enough water.

[skirincich]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Although by backbulbs are doing nothing, they also look to be healthy. Maybe best to just wait.

[skirincich]

My inactive encyclia division just started putting out a new growth. Considering that the back bulbs did not become desiccated over many months, I believe that the dry, patient approach was the right direction. Thanks!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by skirincich

My inactive encyclia division just started putting out a new growth.

Good! I'm glad it's bouncing back!

[Fairorchids]

BB divisions hardly ever produce roots. They have to produce a new growth, which will then send out roots to sustain this new plant.

Thus, no matter how dry a mature plant likes to be (and most don't!), I always start BB divisions in pure spaghnum, only packed tight enough to hold the BBs upright. For taller BBs, I tie them to a stake to keep them stable in the pot.

The only exception to this would be Cymbidium. Their BB divisions go into my regular terrestrial mix, and then I water them together with my mature plants (which are never allowed to dry out).

[Keysguy]

Most encyclia's are from the subtropical to tropical regions of the world. These area are typically subject to hot, wet summers and warm, dryer winters. A dryer winter should not be interpreted as "dry". These areas still get winter rain that may well come in downpours, it just means they occur less frequently. I water my encyclia's the same year-round as supplemented by mother nature. I just checked (I have a couple dozen different species) and every one of them has new roots going in some form or other and some are in bloom or in spike while others are showing nothing yet.

They are not Catasetinae so should not be treated as such.