Cattleya rex seedlings

[euplusia]

I keep my fingers crossed for your success. Kindly keep us informed if this setup works.

[orchidsarefun]

Good Luck !
As temps warm up, you may want to either remove the heating mat or put it on a timer too. Closely monitor that aspect.
To me, the humidity levels are too high.......but I have never grown Catt seedlings, so whadda I know

[My Green Pets]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

Good Luck !
As temps warm up, you may want to either remove the heating mat or put it on a timer too. Closely monitor that aspect.
To me, the humidity levels are too high...

Will do! What temps/humidity would you recommend?

Today's temperature & humidity readings:

High temp = 27°C/81°F
Low temp = 18°C/64°F

High humidity = 86%
Low humidity = 65%

[orchidsarefun]

As to humidity - I don't know the ideal. If its to encourage root growth, these guys use sphagnum. However consistently high humidity levels may be a reasonable alternative to sphagnum. But when do you start lowering to normal house-levels ? I would give them a call and ask them about your options as they seem to be the experts.

Cattleya rex | Chadwick and Son Orchids

[My Green Pets]

That's an excellent resource, orchidsarefun. Thanks!

Today's humidity and temps are same as yesterday. Hopefully we've reached some kind of equilibrium here.

Some of the seedlings' leaves have gone a bright purple color, especially the undersides. I didn't think 1500 footcandles would be a big deal, but I think the purple color is orchid language for "Whoa nelly, that's bright!"



On another note, there are a ton of ladybugs attracted to my basement grow area. I guess they found their way into the house for the winter and couldn't find their way out. Unfortunately, most of them end up flying into the light and frying. But just imagine if some aphid or mealybug tried to infiltrate my growspace! He'd be gobbled up in an instant! I pity the fool!



Here's one last photo of the whole setup. You can see some other pots in the foreground; spinach, peppers, coleus, and the Cypripedium Kentucky Maxi I just got a couple weeks ago.

[My Green Pets]

I left the seedlings unsupervised for two days. Two days!! And I found my first cases of fungus and rot when I came back.


The seedling highlighted at left is losing its growing point to rot.
At right, a white, spotty fungus is taking over the dead bits of plant matter.
Oh yeah, and I think that root in the middle is covered in fungus, too.

I'm guessing the fungicide the plants were sprayed with when shipped has worn off. And maybe water has sat for too long in that little growing point. What a shame. Don't know if this is just the beginning of a massive fungus takeover or what.

Most of the others seem ok.







That said, I am concerned that their roots could be rejecting the HydroBalls medium. I have only found one seedling with evidence of root growth. The rest seem to just be sitting in it and not liking it.


Here is one root that seems to be growing downward into the medium,
but it hasn't come in full contact with it yet.

I really wonder if I'm keeping them too wet? Not sure what to do. I've already been told that I needed more air circulation and I didn't listen. Crap!

On the positive side, the two larger seedlings in lava rock seem to be accepting their new home.


Clear signs of root growth in the lava rock medium.

[isurus79]

Wow, great pics! This type of thread is VERY helpful! How are you watering the lava rock plants?

[My Green Pets]

Haha, thanks, but I'm the one who needs the help!

I'm watering everything the same way, with distilled water in a spray bottle and in a watering can. Usually give them a good spray in the morning and again in the evening.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by CambriaWhat

Haha, thanks, but I'm the one who needs the help!

I'm watering everything the same way, with distilled water in a spray bottle and in a watering can. Usually give them a good spray in the morning and again in the evening.

How often are you fertilizing?

[My Green Pets]

Haven't fertilized at all yet. Just distilled water. And a whole lotta light...do you see how purpley some of the leaves are now? Is that bad? They are not bright green anymore...more like dirty olive green and purple...