Catasetum new growth but no roots

[sapsucker]

Hi there,

My catasetum (m.m. witchcraft) developed a new growth in June 2022 and has stopped growing since then. I noticed something odd, however. There are no roots! I cut off the old roots from the old pseudobulbs when I noticed the new growth starting but upon inspection, the new growth has not put out any new roots. The plant doesn't have any signs of yellowing leaves or black spots. I'm not sure why it doesn't have any new roots. Does anyone have any idea why it doesn't have any roots? Is there a way to encourage it to grow new roots or should I just let it go dormant since it is January now.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

For the best explanation, I strongly suggest you go to the Sunset Valley Orchids Web site and look at the cultural information for Catasetinae. Now is the time to stop watering and let it drop its leaves.

I wouldn't ever cut roots. This kind of plant tends only to make new roots once a year.

[sapsucker]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

For the best explanation, I strongly suggest you go to the Sunset Valley Orchids Web site and look at the cultural information for Catasetinae. Now is the time to stop watering and let it drop its leaves.

I wouldn't ever cut roots. This kind of plant tends only to make new roots once a year.

Thanks so much for the reply! I'll definitely cease watering.

Curious though, you wouldn't cut the roots of the old pseudobulb when its waking up from dormancy? I've had 5 growth cycles with this orchid (one bloom after its second growth cycle!) and have always cut the roots off the old pseudobulb once a new growth starts emerging.

[estación seca]

I don't see any benefit from cutting off old roots. Fred Clarke has said the old roots do provide some water uptake.

[Roberta]

I'd put it back into the pot and leave it alone. It's really too early to expect much rooting, surprised at that much growth. But this is definitely the time of year for no water, ignore the plant Since you already have it out of the pot, one suggestion would be to use sphagnum, or much smaller bark Once active growth begins, they like "sopping wet". I don't think that bark that large will give the plant adequate hydration once it DOES get into its growth time. And I don't cut roots on Catasetinae either. They often will be useful for a second year even though the new ones are better. When the plant is done with the roots they'll die back and dry up naturally.