Help with AU native terrestrial orchids
 

:hello

I have some problems with a few of my deciduous Australian orchids. This year, at least in the east, orchids that should be flowering september or later are flowering now. This is ok with the epiphytes, because they don't go dormant, but with things like oligochaetochilus that go dormant soon after flowering, I fear they will go dormant way too early.
So, my question is, is it alright for them to go into an extended dormancy period (e.g late august to march) or should I let them do their thing? :help

Izak

I am just starting to try to grow some of the Aussie terrestrials, so my opinion is just that, a relative newbie's opinion. In general, though, I have found that weather (or other factors) can shift growing and flowering seasons, and just let the plants do what they want to do. You could get a longer flowering time, they could wait to go dormant, or they could go dormant right after blooming in the wrong month... I think I'd then just let them have a longer dormancy and start watering them on a normal schedule. The one terrestrial that I do have some experience with (and a lot of success) is Pterostylis curta... one year in mid-July (northern hemisphere mid summer) when I usually dig up the tubers and repot, I found them actively sprouting - about 6 weeks early. I just potted them up and started watering, they did their thing a little early, the following year was normal. I am sure that you will get input from people who know a whole lot more than I do, but everything that I have observed with regard to odd blooming times is just go with the flow.

Thanks very much!

I haven't grown these, but it is amazing how early some south African winter-rainfall bulbs decide to grow here in Arizona. I'm wondering whether it's the sudden barometric pressure drops during our monsoon season. I don't think Mediterranean climates normally have such pronounced barometric pressure drops in summer.

I have 'donkey' orchids that have yet to germinate in flask so that is the extent of my (non) experience. However weird weather patterns do have an outsize impact. My radiata have finished blooming and I just noticed what appears to be a new growth peaking. Huh? Bloomed extra early and a new growth in the same season with no dormancy?