Cattleya dowiana - finally found one

[estación seca]

They're both dormant and deciduous through winter. You let them dry out and drop leaves as fall progresses. Bring into the house dry and overwinter someplace above freezing with a little light. I've know people who overwinter them behind the sofa in the living room.

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by estación seca

They're both dormant and deciduous through winter. You let them dry out and drop leaves as fall progresses. Bring into the house dry and overwinter someplace above freezing with a little light. I've know people who overwinter them behind the sofa in the living room.

Behind the sofa. ES, now you’re giving me ideas. Lol. They look to be worth finding a creative solution to overwinter.

[piping plover]

Is it unusual for dowiana to enter another growth phase immediately after finishing a previous growth? I would have thought it would go into a rest dry phase after the first growth hardened. When it arrived from Ecuador a few months ago it was stressed and producing its growth which was floppy. Now a 2nd growth is swelling off that first growth.

[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 .

[orchidman77]

Of course! Yes, I have several of each variety because I really do want to see each type come to maturity. Down the road, I'd love to line-breed them myself and select for ease of growth alongside quality of flowers.

David

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by orchidman77

Of course! Yes, I have several of each variety because I really do want to see each type come to maturity. Down the road, I'd love to line-breed them myself and select for ease of growth alongside quality of flowers.

David

Sounds to be a rewarding and exciting project to take on. Let us know how it progresses!

[piping plover]

My dowiana is growing a new lead just as outdoor growing conditions in RI are getting chilly. Here’s my winter time plan. Going to be an energy hog but I’m committed to keeping this dowiana healthy all winter so it can go into spring summer growing season strong. Sunny south window, with a grow light for 12 hours, set upon a humidity tray that is set upon a heat mat. I’ll monitor the night time temps at the window .