Cattleya amethystoglossa question

[smweaver]

Can anyone tell me when Cattleya amethystoglossa starts to form new roots? Are they formed from the base of the newest growth WHILE the pseudobulb is still forming, or does the plant put all of its energy into forming a new growth followed by a flush of new roots only AFTER the growth has been completed? The reason I ask is because while my plant has been busying itself with creating a larger new growth this summer, I have yet to see any new roots start to come out of the base. I need to repot the plant, but I am very much loathe to repot a bifoliate cattleya before I see any new roots starting to form. Just wanted to hear what experiences some of you may have had with this particular species in regards to root growth. Thank you!

Steve

[Rosim_in_BR]

Steve, C. amethystoglossa starts to form the new roots from the base of the newest pseudo bulb when it is almost completely developed. After the new bulb is developed the plant rests some time and bloom in the end of winter and spring.

[Don Perusse]

Patience! Patience! Patience! They will come when the new growth is almost completed.

[Rosim_in_BR]

Steve, I coincidently have C. amethystoglossa rooting now. The pictures below show the new leading pseudo bulb that has just finished its development and the roots starting to grow at the base.

[smweaver]

Mauro, thank you for commenting--and for posting pics of your plant. I've now noticed small tips of new roots coming out from the base of the newest growth. So apparently I panicked too early! What kind of mix is your plant growing in? Do you give it a relatively dry rest after the growing season, or do you continue to grow it the same way throughout the year?

Steve

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by smweaver

Mauro, thank you for commenting--and for posting pics of your plant. I've now noticed small tips of new roots coming out from the base of the newest growth. So apparently I panicked too early! What kind of mix is your plant growing in? Do you give it a relatively dry rest after the growing season, or do you continue to grow it the same way throughout the year?

Steve

It is planted in sphagnum moss. The small white peanuts you see here and there on top of the media are styrofoam. I mix 20% (more or less) of these small peanuts (I scratch out of larger pieces) to the sphagnum to help the drainage. I don't give any pronounced rest. I slow down a bit the watering during the winter months because of the cold weather, but that's all.