quick question about a new hknsa.

[CR7cristiano]

Your most welcome.

[james mickelso]

Hawkensara like the light in Napa. Just not direct light from 10-4 during summer. Wait until it throws new growth before repotting. That is the best time. Water according to how heavy the pot feels. This can be potted in 1/2 inch bark with some sponge rock in it. Don't pot into too large a pot as these like to be a little cramped.

[CR7cristiano]

That's why I like this board. Cuz you have James to add something you forgot.
I forgot to mention they like to be potted tightly; catts in general don't like to be potted in too big a pot either. Just enough room for 2 or max 3 new growths. I have learned that potting in too large a pot despite how large the pseudobulbs or leaves really causes you to wait extra long for new blooms as the natural reaction of the plant to being repotted is that it is gonna want to fill out the pot with roots to secure itself in the pot before focusing on new growth/flowering.
You'll be fine though.

[tim_r95]

Yeah, I was just going to re-pot it into the same pot but with fir bark instead of the sphagnum moss. and when you said wait until it throws new growth does that mean when it's done growing new stuff or when it starts?

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by tim_r95

Yeah, I was just going to re-pot it into the same pot but with fir bark instead of the sphagnum moss. and when you said wait until it throws new growth does that mean when it's done growing new stuff or when it starts?

Cattleya growth culture is to start sending out roots on the newest growth that has finished flowering. In some cases the newest growth wont flower before pushing out roots but either way this is the time to repot; when you see roots barely pushing out from its base. I just repot automatically after the newest lead has finished blooming.
Assuming the the newest growth is starting to touch on the rim of the pot.

[tim_r95]

Okay sounds simple enough. I'll do that then.

[tim_r95]

After its done flowing do I cut the spike?

[CR7cristiano]

Yes after the flowers fade you can cut off the spike right at the base of the fading spike. I usually just dab a little cinnamon on the "wound" derived from cutting the spike to prevent any bacteria.