Cattleya dowiana - finally found one

[orchidman77]

Growth is always a good sign! My guess is that the trip to the northern hemisphere has upended its growing cycle and its internal clock is a little "off." For now, I would respond to what the plant is doing (growing) and would keep it warm with plenty of air movement and moisture. I've read that maintaining high humidity (>60%) is also important - it might help keep its roots healthy and encourage root branching.

I've got quite a few dowiana seedlings now (around 20?) - some rositas, "tipos" from Costa Rican genetics, and some 4N aureas. It's already been quite the journey growing them - fortunately, my tent provides pretty ideal conditions for this species. Mine seem to appreciate frequent as long as they have plenty of air movement to "mostly dry" before I water again. It'll be quite a show when they reach blooming size in a few years (that is, if I can keep them alive)!

David

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by orchidman77

Growth is always a good sign! My guess is that the trip to the northern hemisphere has upended its growing cycle and its internal clock is a little "off." For now, I would respond to what the plant is doing (growing) and would keep it warm with plenty of air movement and moisture. I've read that maintaining high humidity (>60%) is also important - it might help keep its roots healthy and encourage root branching.

I've got quite a few dowiana seedlings now (around 20?) - some rositas, "tipos" from Costa Rican genetics, and some 4N aureas. It's already been quite the journey growing them - fortunately, my tent provides pretty ideal conditions for this species. Mine seem to appreciate frequent as long as they have plenty of air movement to "mostly dry" before I water again. It'll be quite a show when they reach blooming size in a few years (that is, if I can keep them alive)!

David

Thanks for the info David and for sharing your cultural tips on these. Twenty seedlings will be quite a show someday. The numbers increase your odds of survival to seeing maturity.

I agree with you that the trip to the northern hemisphere upending it’s normal cycle and in a good way. It arrived here in June prior to the summer solstice with increasing daylight and hot humid weather. Daylight approximately 16 hours in New England that time whereas Ecuador I’m assuming approximately 12 hours by the equator .