What to do with a Lycaste
 

Attached are a couple pics of a Lycaste Balliea that I have. It has spiked and bloomed twice for me. After the last bloom the old psuedobulbs began drying/shriveling and then it pot on the prolific growth as shown in the photos. It appears healthy and in good shape, but no sign of a bud spike. I'm wondering if I should report it, I use Orchiata bark for most of my repotting. Any advice would be appreciated. this is my only Lycaste, so dont know much about their habits. Thanks

Pokey aka Paul

:bump:

I wouldn't repot it now, wait until it's developed it's pseudobulb. Does this particular lycaste go dormant for you? If so, only repot when it breaks dormancy next year and into a much smaller pot. Leave about an inch of space around the pbulb.

it has not gone dormant yet that I can tell. Bought it with a bud/spike, it bloomed and then not to much longer developed another bud spike and bloomed and then this new growth. If I understand, there will be a new pseudobulb produced with this new growth???? Its in a 4 inch pot now, why would I go smaller at this point? Shouldn't I leave it alone and not repot until after it finishes blooming again??? Also the term deciduous throws me a bit. I'm use to deciduous trees v conifers. But I'm not sure what a deciduous orchid is. many thanks
Paul

Some Lycastes lose their leaves and have a period of dormancy in the winter months. I know Lyc. aromatica and many of its hybrids have this behavior.

Do you know the name of you Lycaste? That would help you figure out if it will need a period of dormancy.

Its Lycaste Balliae

Good Info- Lyc. Balliae is macrophylla x skinneri and I believe that neither of the parent is deciduous. skinneri does like less water in the winter, so it's possible that your hybrid may too. That doesn't mean that it is kept dry, just a bit less water.

P.S. you can research the care requirements for the parents on the internet which will give you a good starting place for the care of your hybrid.

Many thanks for the info. Ill do some research.