Cyrtopodium cardiochillum rest?

[Jeff214]

I got a Cyrtopodium cardiochillum last fall and it has since produced a new growth. Now that the leaves are falling off ... it reminds me of catasetums entering dormancy. Plus, I see that various sources note that Cyrtopodiums come from areas with a long dry season. At this point, should I stop watering?

[estación seca]

I've not grown it. IOSPE says it's a synonym of glutiniferum, which has an enormous range. Some of those areas have completely dry winters and others may have rain.

[Lil Duck]

Cyrtopodium glutiniferum comes from the Guiana Shield, Northern Colombia and Venezuela, and South-east Brazil. All of these areas are quite monsoonal and in nature it would experience quite a period of drought. I would give it a cool dry rest.

[Roberta]

Just a word of caution... "drought" in South America is, in most areas, a lot wetter (more humid, dew, and occasional rain) than "drought" in southern California. Having killed some Den. nobile types in "early orchid career" taking the "dry rest" thing too literally (they shriveled up and died), I would temper the "dry" part. If grown in a greenhouse (with humidity) maybe it could be dried as much as Catasetinae, but observe and be willing to have a bit of mercy if neceessary.

[Jeff214]

Thanks everyone, I'll probably try something similar to catasetinae care. I actually never stop watering Den. nobiles, and I water my catasetinae once a month or so during dormancy. Generally, I stop fertilizing if they go "dormant".

[isurus79]

Cyrtopodiums aren't quite as finicky as Catasetinae about their roots and rest. I'd keep yours outside and fully exposed to the sunlight (no shade) to help it acclimate. Water once every couple of weeks and I bet it throws a new growth in a few months.