Project 2016: Cattleya walkeriana

[silken]

It sure looks like my Tropical Pointer Catt which kept doing that and it seemed like more moisture and better roots fixed the problem. But I agree, you would think it would get good care with Fred. No harm in asking him tho.

[estación seca]

wintergirl, I went back and looked at your photos from April 24. The plant looks very thirsty with the wrinkled leaves. I think this degree of dryness could cause a deformed new growth. Go back and read the catwalker808 message Leafmite dug up. He was advising another OB member who was having trouble with poor flowering, and catwalker808 explained how much water they need:

C walkeriana - Tips for Growing & Blooming

My regular plant from SVO is in S/H and the roots never dry out. My coerulea from SVO is still in its pot with the sphag plug in the center. It hasn't dried out completely since I got it, but I let the bark get completely dry. Both had warm days throughout the winter.

The regular one completed its growth. Just in the last 2 days, it has begun enlarging another eye at the base. I sunburned a spot on the just-completed leaf a couple of days ago, but it's not a huge spot, and the plant seems like it won't get worse.

The coerulea made 6 growths after it arrived in December 2015. They aren't quite mature yet. The plant is making profuse new roots now, and... a new growth. (Or... can I dream?) I just picked it up and noticed the leaves are a little wrinkled. I watered it 2 days ago and it's dry already.

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by estación seca

wintergirl, I went back and looked at your photos from April 24. The plant looks very thirsty with the wrinkled leaves. I think this degree of dryness could cause a deformed new growth.

(sniped by me) When I got it from Fred the p.bulbs were pretty full, it looks hydrated to me and still had a bent new growth. It's not really clear at the angle but it was. Here is when I got it:
C. walkeriana 'SVO' 7-2015.jpg

It doesn't even look like a very nice plant really. All the other plants I got were great but this one had issues.

[wintergirl]

Ordered one from Andy's, added to my order for next week. Also got an email back from Fred Clark. He says he is in Mexico now and will look at the pictures when he gets back next week.

[Subrosa]

A question for those who know. Is 50F night time temp a problem for walkeriana?

[Leafmite]

I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your new one, Wintergirl!

I hope you will let us know what Fred says about your other. When orchids are crossed, weird things can sometimes happen. Fred might have thought it would be okay and it just wasn't. Good luck!

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

A question for those who know. Is 50F night time temp a problem for walkeriana?

In doing some research I found this:
During the Summer, get them outside in about 60% full sun at the peak of the day. Early morning sun or late afternoon sun on the leaves is also good. To be moved outside, night temperatures should be in the mid 50’s F. However, if the night temperature dips a bit lower occasionally, this is OK.

Cattleyas and their care | Blog - New Earth Orchids

[Leafmite]

We are getting some cold night temperatures this weekend (maybe snow) and I will probably just cover everything with a plastic drop cloth and put some buckets of hot water underneath the shelves to keep it warm for the night.

[stonedragonfarms]

50s at night should be fine, from what I've read about this plant, it should be good at even cooler night temps provided its on the dry side--ie no water on the foliage/in maturing growths

[Subrosa]

Thanks for the answers folks! The Catts I put out so far are still acclimating to sunlight so they're under an overhang where I have control over moisture. The next couple nights temps are expected to be closer to 40, so I'm erring on the side of caution and bringing them in nights for the time being.