How long for a Psychopsis growth to mature? - Orchid Board

camille1585 · #1 02-12-2011, 04:53 PM

I got my first Psychopsis back in september, and it was just starting a new growth. It's grown very well, the previous leaf was about 6in and this one is already 8in. But it has completely stopped growing in the last 2 months and I see no sign of the base starting to swell with a bulb. The leaf is also folding over a bit lengthwise instead of being nice and flat.

Is this how the leaves normally grow?

Junebug · #2 02-13-2011, 12:41 AM

Hi Camille,

Don't worry. The new growth on my Psychopsis took a long time to develop and the bulb didn't appear until long after the leaf matured. I remember another member posting a similar experience, so I guess this is normal.

alsorchids · #3 02-13-2011, 01:47 AM

I will just add that the leafs do fold over a little, this seems normal. My Psychopsis Mendenhall is just starting new growths now. It also took at least a two month break from flowering or growth. AL

camille1585 · #4 02-13-2011, 06:10 AM

Thanks.
I guess that this plant is very slow at everything it does!

Paul Mc · #5 02-13-2011, 09:32 AM

While I cannot answer your original question, I bought one that was not mature last year. The grower stated (as they usually do) that it was to bloom in the next season. I bought it in the fall and have not seen any growth since then. However, I was pleasantly surprised this week when I found what appears to be a new leaf forming from the base. It isn't even an inch long yet, but has a slight v formation at it's tip.

I guess I'm telling you this because mine hasn't appeared to be doing anything since I bought it. The leaves are curled up as well, so I thought perhaps I wasn't watering it enough. But lo and behold, there is growth after all. It does seem to be a slow one.

camille1585 · #6 02-21-2011, 05:08 PM

Looks like all I had to do was post here, and then my Psychopsis woke up and started growing again, very vigorously too. Guess it didn't like me complaining about it! The leaf has grown nearly an inch in 10 days, it's flattened out, and I feel the base of the growth starting to thicken. Happy plant.

Daethen · #7 02-21-2011, 05:33 PM

I may be the only one that this works for but I tend to keep it fairly wet. I was keeping it a bit dryer and it was just setting there. Once I started keeping it wetter it started growing like crazy. I really should say they and not it. I have 4 psychopsis. I am getting lots of new growth and lots of root growth even on the one that is flowering. By the way, mine took a couple month break recently as well.

camille1585 · #8 02-21-2011, 05:54 PM

Maybe that's why it was taking a break, I was keeping it on the dry side. I did start to increase watering at the beginning of Feb, maybe that's what triggered more growing. I guess it does need to be watered more often seeing how airy the pot is. It's growing in a net pot which is placed in larger clear pot to keep some moisture. The roots are enjoying it.

Daethen · #9 02-21-2011, 06:12 PM

I actually leave a bit of water in the saucer under the pot. Enough that it can wick up if it wants. Not s/h, just bark mix. 3 are giving me new growths and roots. The other is giving me roots and is blooming again. 3 are alba and young the other is 'Mendenhall' Hildos and has 2 spikes. I love my psychopsis.

alsorchids · #10 02-22-2011, 01:26 AM

I think you have both got it right. The Psychopsis Mendenhall Hildos I have I tried decreasing watering to every 7 or 8 days in late fall. Now I water the 6 inch pot every 5 days and soon every 4 days. I could see them liking a saucer of water to wick up from Jonada. I would love to get a Alba Psychopsis. Al