C. mossiae

[Sharry]

I recently purchased a my first floofy cat. It's a C. mossiae which now has finished blooming. I notice one of the eyes is swelling up. What is the recommended care for these guys: when to fertilize and how often to water?. The plant came potted in gravel. Any folks experiences with this species is appreciated. Thank you.

[smartie2000]

You have to let the media get slightly dry before you water again. I'm not sure how long it will take in gravel, I think faster than in bark. For bark I would water every 5-7 days

Now you can fertilize with a higher nitrogen fertilizer. Probably every two weeks or every week but using a smaller dose.

When it comes time to bloom you can fertilize with something higher in phosphorus and potassium. This is when the growths are mature

[Sharry]

Thanks for the info.

When does this species start to grow new leads? Is it ok to fertilize if the plant is resting?

[smartie2000]

It will be actively growing mostly in the summer I think.

There is no need to fertilize when the plant is resting because there is no active growth. I never fertilize during a rest for any plant.

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by Sharry

Thanks for the info.

When does this species start to grow new leads? Is it ok to fertilize if the plant is resting?

It will start growing in spring. Don't fertilize when the plant is resting.

[Frdemetr]

The problem with gravel is that all nitrogen goes away (doesn't matter urea or NH4) with water; experts say that at least 20% of media would be organic (bark, sphagnum, coconut chips, tree-fern fiber etc.). In that cases repoting is a good idea (only when new roots & grows appear)

[Tindomul]

I've never heard of Catts being planted in gravel. I suppose its the same as S/H with hydroton? Or does it drain?

[Sharry]

The pot has drain holes with roots growing out the bottom - I cushion the plant on a layer of styrofoam peanuts of they don't get squashed from the weight of the medium. The plant seems very happy with multiple growths. I think I'll see how it does in the present mix. If the growth seem to be getting smaller, I'll try repotting next growth cycle. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Tindomul]

Oh, well in that case it is not the same as S/H. Interesting. Why would anyone choose a medium that weighs soo much?

[smartie2000]

It drys faster and roots don't rot in a media like that usually.