Q about Cattleya Royal Cognac
 

:hello I'm still new so please don't get mad at me:icy

I got a Cattleya Royal Cognac in 4" pot around Thanksgiving.

Does this one need a winter break? Cuz no matter what I do to this thing, it hasn't grown at all!

I'm a bit nervous because I actually have been watering it twice a week with 1/4 concentration of fertilizers just like my other cats.

I'm still not sure what to do exactly if it does. Watering? How often? light? humidity?

How do I know it starts growing? what do I do with watering/fertilizing/light/humidity by then?

Where can I find information if I'm not sure my plant need a resting period?

I am not aware that any cattleya needs a “rest period”. Or maybe I should say, they sure never got them under my care! It should be fine under the regimen you give your other catts, but I’d lay off the fertilizer until you see active growth.

Have you checked the root system?

Newly acquired plants can sometimes take a break when brought into different conditions, and maybe that was extended by it being winter. I’ll bet it “wakes up” soon, with longer, warmer days, and I’d bet you could ensure that with Kelpak/KelpMax added to your regimen.

First, there is no such thing as a "bad question" ....so ask away.:)
I have certainly never given any Catt any sort of "rest". They may indeed slow down during the winter... orchids teach patience. This one does, I think, want to be kept on the warm side (it's half C. aclandiae) Just keep a watch for new growth... It probably needs some time to get up to blooming size. But spring does tend to "jump start" new growth.

Hi Ray!

Yes the root system seems to be ok, like old roots but no rotting or anything pathological going on, of course no new tips either.

Re the kelpmax: I forgot it got that once every month as well!




---------- Post added at 11:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 PM ----------

Thanks Roberta, I'll give it some time :)

Is that application at 1 tablespoon/gallon or are you doing something less?

You can always try the 1 tablespoon/gallon 2 or 3 times at 1 or 2 week intervals, or try an application at 1 ounce per gallon, in order to kick-start the growth.

got it, I'll try increase the frequency first.

Thanks Ray!

Let's back up a little... many Cattleyas grown in homes have one growth period per year, in the spring/summer. Then they sit through the winter doing nothing, though some wait until winter to flower on the growths made the previous spring/summer.

In more southern climates (like mine) where winter days are longer and growing rooms are warm, some of them - not all - will continue to grow all year. But you're far enough north I wouldn't expect Cattleya growth in winter.

I love the flowers of Catt but boy do they last (not). Mine have gone as long as 3.5 weeks MAX. Do you have any tricks in keeping flowers fresh and on spike longer?

Speculation only, but have you followed THIS TOPIC?