Cattleya rex seedlings

[Cntry]

That's ok Cam we also had a few thunderstorms the last two nights. So when you get time just post them no big rush... We just want to see the how the little guys and girls maybe doing.

[lotis146]

Originally Posted by Cntry

That's ok Cam we also had a few thunderstorms the last two nights. So when you get time just post them no big rush... We just want to see the how the little guys and girls maybe doing.

DITTO!

I'm super curious to see how they faired the storm and just being outside in general seeing how little they are. And to think, I was nervous about putting any of my plants out, lol,

[My Green Pets]

Lotis, orchids can be tough as nails, as these little Catts have shown me!

[NYCorchidman]

Great! I enjoy following this thread and how your baby cattleyas progress. I love photo heavy threads

[My Green Pets]

Ok, here it is, the June update Lots of comments and questions this time around.

Conditions:
Light - Shade most of the day with dappled sunlight here and there. Max 1000fc.
Water - Was drenching them daily with the hose, now have backed off a bit. There have been several rainy days, too, thoroughly soaking them.
Fertilizer - Mist¡ng with 1/4 tsp of Schultz Orchid Food per gallon of water, once every two weeks.
Humidity - 60%-100%, typical Ohio Valley summer humidity.
Air Movement - Plenty of fresh air from light breezes to moderate wind.

The seedlings have been outside under a tree for over a month. It seems to me that their leaves have darkened, and they are growing more slowly than before. Perhaps they are not receiving ideal light levels?

In addition, their root growth has stopped, and many roots look 'ugly' if you know what I mean. Dark green, slimy, or white with brown crust, and no growing tips. I'm wondering if this is due to too much water.

Also, when roots reach the bottom of the pot and grow out of a drain hole, they immediately turn black and die. Why?

In either case, they don't look great, but they seem to be ok, at least. I'm going to move them into more light and reduce watering, and see if they improve.

Now, the pics!

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J.

[NYCorchidman]

I think they look fine. Seedlings are recommended to be grown with less light than mature plants.

Also, dark green = not enough light is very general and even misleading, so do not take it too seriously.

Just like phals, cattleyas also vary in their leaf color.
I get many cattleyas from Hawaii that are grown under high light. Guess what, majority of them have dark green leaves with certain varieties with almost yellow green.

So, it is important to note the leaf color of a plant and keep it that way.

With seedlings, unless you are familiar with this hybrid, there really is nothing to compare to as far as what the correct and healthy leaf color might be.

I always err on the too much light side than too little.
If you see bleaching leaves or even burned spots, then give less.

With root acitivity, I do not think they are supposed to always be growing. They would grow at certain times of the year very actively, and then they would suddenly stop.

Watering daily- as long as they dry out, not a problem.

[Nexogen]

Please read this.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...69837884,d.b2U

[My Green Pets]

Nexogen,

I read it. I am guessing that the suggestion here is to rethink my fertilizing scheme?

Although I am unable to confirm what the effects of toxicity on the roots look like, I can guess that this might be what they are showing?

As the lava rock dries, I see lots of white crusties forming. This is an indication of salt buildup, right? Even though I was flushing the pots daily?

All I know is, the plants grew better in distilled water with no fertilizer than they are growing now. However, so many factors have changed since they were growing under lights in an aquarium till now, it's really impossible to pin down one single cause.

I am going ahead with my plan to increase light and decrease water. This is a simple change that should produce noticeable effects within a few weeks. As far as fertilizer goes, I am at a loss. I will continue to use the Schultz Ferts at 1/4 tsp per gallon every two weeks. The only thing I might change is, instead of tap water, I might try mixing with well water, as it probably has more mineral content.

I wish this didn't have to be such a game of trial and error. I feel the answers are out there, but I can't seem to find them!

[Nexogen]

Effects of toxicity on the roots look like D. picture.

[isurus79]

I would actually increase light while keeping your water the same. The increased light should dry the plants faster.

---------- Post added at 06:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------

You could also put all of them in lava rock, which seems to be a media that is pretty successful for you.