prosthechea prismatocarpa, pseudobulbs shrivelling

[headbanger333]

Hello all,
I was given a lovely prosthechea in bloom last year and was told they need a two month dormancy in winter, no water. It has had its water withdrawn with the resultant withering of the bulbs which were smooth and shiny when I received it last summer. Have I done the wrong thing? I am fearful of ignoring the advice I was given by its previous owner because it was in great condition when I got it.

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm not familiar with growing this one, but American Orchid Society website does say that Mexican /Central American Prostecheas (of which this is one, according to them) do want a water reduction in winter. I suppose it might depend upon your climate whether water should be completely withheld, or if some water should be given.
Prosthechea

The Mexican/Central American types have a definite rest period, generally the winter months, when water is decreased or withheld.

Hopefully some other members can be of more help.

I have moved this thread to the *Cattleya Alliance* forum

[headbanger333]

Thanku for that. Appreciate it.

[rbarata]

They should dru out between waterings but not for a long period. When you notice the medium is dry then it's time to water again.
The rule is to reduce water at minimum. If you notice the pbulbs shrivelling that's the sign you need to increase the watering frequency a little bit more.

[headbanger333]

I have given it a little water. Is there a chance th bulbs will plump up again, or is shrivelling permanent?

[PaphMadMan]

I don't think any Prosthecheas have a true dormancy, though many might have a cool dry season when water would be reduced. Rot might be a problem if kept too wet at that time. The advice to withhold water completely was a little extreme but might have worked well for the previous owner if conditions were different - very high humidity, cooler temperature, some natural dew at night. Shriveling usually does not reverse fully, but that doesn't mean the plant won't be healthy. Its a vigorous species so I would expect it to recover.

[headbanger333]

That gives me optimism! Many thanks :-)