Would it be unwise to attempt C Dowiana?

[Dalachin]

Hi all,

For those of you who grow the species, do you think it would be unwise for me to attempt to grow a large seedling of C. Dowiana, assuming I can find one I can afford?

I do already have a C. Dowiana hybrid, but I’m really interested in the actual species. I only have room for a few spectacular larger species.

I grow inside on a tented shelf unit with led lights. I have potted and mounted plants, and the space I have for larger plants and mounts is in the mid 80s in summer and mid 70s in winter, with humidity that I try to keep between 60-70. For most of my plants, this seems to be the sweet spot.

I water some plants daily, and others in differing schedules. The leds are the stronger ones that botanical leds sells, so should be sufficient for most cattleyas.

Would it have to be hotter and more humid for a c.dowiana to thrive and bloom?

[orchidman77]

Hi Dalachin,

I've been growing dowiana seedlings for almost 2 years in my grow tent. They seem to require a few things to thrive, but if you provide them, they will grow vigorously!

Sounds like your temps are great (as it's a warm-growing species) as long as night temps don't drop below 60*F. Once or twice is fine, regularly would be less fine. My winter minimum usually sits about 65, with some lower dips.

I've noticed that good to great air movement is really important for their roots, and that their roots ramble more than my other catt species. To that end, make sure your fan is positioned to move the air in the tent, let them crawl/climb out of pots, use a coarser bark/inorganic medium, and then you can water frequently. They really prefer to dry between waterings, but the watering intervals can be close together.

They'll take high cattleya light if their roots are solid. Roots typically grow after the bulb matures, and secondary rooting isn't guaranteed, so take care of those new roots carefully.

I use RO water with 1/4 tsp. MSU fertilizer most waterings, occasionally supplement with a CalMag, and give everything Kelpmax monthly. They're very happy next to my other cattleya seedlings!

I know this is a ton, but it's found me success growing small and medium seedlings!

[isurus79]

Sounds like you have the correct conditions for dowiana

[Dalachin]

Thank you for sharing your expertise, I ordered one. Crossing my fingers that it will like my little tropical oasis.

[Paphman910]

You got the perfect condition to grow Cattleya dowiana! I have similiar condition. Yesterday I just deflasked a flask of Cattleya walkeriana semi-alba 'Tosuko' x 'Toyko No. 1'

[Dalachin]

Whew! One of the more expensive (large) seedlings I have bought. My other catts seem pretty happy, but the “oldest” catt I have is 6 months in my care, so I appreciate the advice.

[My Green Pets]

Good luck. It is good to see someone doing a little research before taking the plunge.

[Connie Star]

I bought a flask with a few seedlings in a tourist shop in Costa Rica years ago for $10.Although it took a long time, they grew well. When I actually moved to Costa Rica, I gave them to a friend with a greenhouse and last I heard they were doing well. They are big plants

[Paphluvr]

Originally Posted by My Green Pets

Good luck. It is good to see someone doing a little research before taking the plunge.

Take note, newbee's. This is the most important thing you can do to save frustration and money. Research before buying to see if you can provide the proper conditions for what you have in mind. Or you can learn the hard way.

[Jmoney]

I have not tried this species, but it is on my wishlist. A lot has been written about how difficult these are to grow. I came across some articles by Chadwick (who grows this successfully) and I believe the most important thing was warm warm warm. They do not tolerate cool conditions and rot easily under cool/damp conditions.