Resting catts

[Kelo]

I have one or two catts that don't need a rest but I was wondering how you can tell if a catt needs a winter rest or not? Are there any specific hybrid mixes e.g. Slc's, blc's etc. that are known to be fine being watered all year?

[RJSquirrel]

The Cattleya is moderate in its demands for heat, air, and moisture at all times. It does not require complete rest. Withholding water from the pot for a short time after re-potting or after flowering will suffice, but the bulbs should not be allowed to become dry to the point of shriveling. Humidity in the air and overhead spray will help keep them plump and firm. They should be well watered in the pot and then allowed to dry out until the pot feels light when weighed in the hand.

So you need to check roots for signs of growth, check for new shoots off the bulbs, check for soft leaves that don't seem to be taking any water, etc etc. If the plant has gone into a dormancy stage watering it will start some rot if the plant(s) are shut down. When you see signs like these, and there are others, your catt might need some rest. As long as they are chugging along and growing and making growths and roots, they are active. When they start to slow down or after blooming or re-potting. REST them some. It will only help them.


Growing IN the home you can shorten this cycle from months to weeks and REST them when you feel like they need a rest indeed sir

I think its more important to REST them if you are growing in a seasonal greenhouse situation where your daily temps and sun exposure are determining your plants REST period over the course of the year. And all this if the plants are growing and blooming on a proper timed schedule. If you just stick them out there in the greenhouse and let em go wild they will wear themselves out. And why they need to REST.

I REST my case

[tucker85]

I agree with the previous post. I just watch the plants. Sometimes there isn't anything going on. No new roots, no growing psuedobulbs. When that happens I decrease the water and fertilizer. The rest period is often just before or just after blooming. So if you know the blooming season you can predict when the resting period will be. A Few plants never seem to rest.

[glengary54]

This a link to a thread from 2008 that covers this topic fairly well:
Species Cattleya Rest Period

[Kelo]

Thank you very much for all of your replies, they are very helpful indeed!