Encyclia division

[skirincich]

I divided an encyclia back in the summer. One division had a new growth which has continued to grow well in its new pot. The other division has remained in a new pot without putting out a new growth. I have watered it very little in the hope of stimulating growth, but nothing has happened. I am inclined to stay the course since the pseudobulbs have not shriveled up. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am fairly certain that this is not encyclia aenicta, but I m OK with a NOID. Thanks!

[Shadeflower]

hi skirincich,
I'm not familiar with leaving it in a dry pot method.
I have better results trying to give high humidity but sometimes back bulbs are too old and have too few roots to make it so that could be a factor but I think it's lacking some humidity.

[skirincich]

The inactive division is under lights with 60-70% humidity.

[Shadeflower]

that's not enough. See what others say, there's plenty of ways to grow them but I think if you will have any chance you need to provide more moisture with enough ventilation.

[estación seca]

Encyclias need lots of water and warmth. If they get warmth, water and humidity they can be in growth all year. Depending on your temperatures you could water in that medium every day.

I have received Encyclia plants with back bulbs that fell off when repotting. Some took over a year to sprout and grow.

Now that I reread your question you said you are watering very little. That is the issue. If your temperatures are warm try to keep the base of the plant moist.

[skirincich]

Perhaps I should be looking for new roots to come first?

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by skirincich

Perhaps I should be looking for new roots to come first?

It probably won't root unless you water it. How warm can you keep it through the winter?

[isurus79]

I've had much better luck with the dry method to stimulate root growth, as discussed by the OP. That said, since one division is up and running, this one is more of a bonus piece. Seems like some experimenting could be useful. Whether that includes additional watering or no water at all is up to!

[skirincich]

Stephen makes a good that I am in a no-pressure situation. Although the division is doing nothing, the pseudobulbs have been holding onto their water supply.

I have debated repotting the division into inorganic media under semihydroponic conditions. Since bringing it indoors, I have maintained a 70F (21C) temperature with 70% humidity under lights for the last six weeks.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by skirincich

Stephen makes a good that I am in a no-pressure situation. Although the division is doing nothing, the pseudobulbs have been holding onto their water supply.

I have debated repotting the division into inorganic media under semihydroponic conditions. Since bringing it indoors, I have maintained a 70F (21C) temperature with 70% humidity under lights for the last six weeks.

I wonder if seasonal cues (i.e. increased heat, increased daylength) could help trigger a new growth.