Cattleya dowiana - finally found one

[piping plover]

After learning that Cattleya dowiana is part of the makeup of my favorite cattleya variety, I’ve been searching for one. This is my Second species cattleya; as I also own a trianae.

Was expecting a larger one from this importer. Reading that it likes dryness in the winter resting period I opted for a small clay pot rather than a plastic clear pot. Photos below of my new plant and also what I can expect in blooms someday.

I’m thinking this might be a 3 or 4 year wait for blooms given my windowsill growing conditions for winter.

[estación seca]

Also pay attention to its temperature requirements during the winter. I don't think it would be happy near most windows in winter in Rhode Island.

[K-Sci]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Also pay attention to its temperature requirements during the winter. I don't think it would be happy near most windows in winter in Rhode Island.

Having lived in Wisconsin, Washington, and Maine, I agree. This is good advice. You probably already know that Cattleya dowiana is notoriously prone to developing stem rot that wipes out the plant in short order. Hence it is hard to find and nearly all of the old clones are nowhere to be found. Others may disagree, but IMO this is in part because many commercial greenhouses are too cold in the winter, particularly at night.

-Keith

[Dulcinea]

IMO?

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by Dulcinea

IMO?

In My Opinion

[estación seca]

It's also the name of a St Louis pizza chain. The only place I've had cheddar cheese pizza.

[Dulcinea]

😂😂😂

[Clawhammer]

Congrats! I should have chose expedited shipping, mine don't arrive until next week.

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Also pay attention to its temperature requirements during the winter. I don't think it would be happy near most windows in winter in Rhode Island.

ES, thank you for the reply and caution there. Yeh, I read the Chadwick’s article and pondered whether to purchase given my indoor conditions. I already know that I will keep it out of the sunroom because it’s 55F to 70F in the coldest days; the anthuriums and most palms seem to tolerate it.

Do you think I should grow it like a cactus or succulent in the winter, hot dry sunny window, 70F day and night temps ? Or maybe in a grow box for winter, heating pad beneath a clear plastic box (open top) that maintains 65F night and 75F day with 70 % humidity (this is my acclimating box I use) or is that too humid for winter rest?

---------- Post added at 11:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:36 AM ----------

Originally Posted by K-Sci

Having lived in Wisconsin, Washington, and Maine, I agree. This is good advice. You probably already know that Cattleya dowiana is notoriously prone to developing stem rot that wipes out the plant in short order. Hence it is hard to find and nearly all of the old clones are nowhere to be found. Others may disagree, but IMO this is in part because many commercial greenhouses are too cold in the winter, particularly at night.

-Keith

Keith, thanks for sharing that experience from the northern climes. Interesting knowing the history as well of the older varieties. I think I’m seeing where the cold sensitivity, rot originates from in my LC MOONWIND. It throws a fit if cold and watered after it’s Dec blooming.

---------- Post added at 11:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:41 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Clawhammer

Congrats! I should have chose expedited shipping, mine don't arrive until next week.

Thank you! Best wishes on your arrival. I should have bought some anthuriums, I paid so much shipping with just one plant in the box.

[My Green Pets]

I will chime in with a very interesting post on another forum, this guy imported one of these plants and has found dowiana to be a very strong grower. My dowiana seedlings are quite vigorous.

Cattleya dowiana update | Slippertalk Orchid Forum