Question on Cycnoches

[jim blanford]

Hoping for some help with my Cycnoches Cooperi X Barthiorum. While I was waiting for the new growth to start, I see that I have a Keiki half way up on the Pseudobulb . I do not know what to do next. Do I remove the Keiki, (and how do I remove it, or should I wait for the plant to start its new growth. Any help would be appreciated.... Many Thanks, Jim

[cycnoches]

All of the Catasetinae have the possibility of producing new plants at the nodes in the pseudobulbs, but my experience is that of the five, Cycnoches is the most likely to do so. Frequently the new plants are produced instead of an inflorescence so they tend to originate from the upper nodes. This does not mean that new plants may not be produced from the basal node eyes also. After roots have developed from the new growth you can either leave it in place or carefully remove it and pot or plaque it separately. to remove it be very careful not to damage the new roots and I used a razor blade to carefully cut it away from the old psb without damaging the old psb. It is best to wait until roots are at least 1/2 inch long (excuse the old measures). I also sometimes leave the new plant in place and placing some sphagnum over the new roots attach the entire plant to a plaque - cork and a limb section that has an indentation in which to place the sphagnum-covered roots but tree fern is fine also. Good luck and if you have any other questions, let me know. I believe your cross is registered so I will let you look it up (smile). george

[littlefrog]

Cyc. cooperi x Cyc. barthiorum = Cyc. Jean E. Monnier

Nice hybrid. Probably not the best, but the parents are nice. They come out spotted maroon on a lighter background, mostly.

I wait until the keiki has roots about half an inch long then I use a thin bladed knife (a paring knife works well) to very carefully sever the keiki from the pseudobulb. Or you can just leave it on.

[bwester]

anyone here ever try their cycnoches in s/h?

[Wendy]

Mine are sort of S/H. They are potted in CHC and perlite but sit in a small tray of rainwater. I repot every year so the mix stays good for the growing/blooming season.

[justatypn]

I have purchased 2 cycnoches, one (barth) is in orchid heaven the other (Jean E. Monnier) is merely chillin' . An interesting chid I must add and looking forward to conquering this species/hybrid.

[graphicgreg]

At this time of year, what we like to do with these keikis that are halfway up the pseudobulb, especially if it is an old bulb that will likely die off anyway, is just lay the pseudobulb across a pot of media and let the keiki roots grow into the pot. This often happens with imports in this genus. You can also tie a wad of sphagnum around the base of the keiki, or not, and wait til spring to remove it.

[littlefrog]

My cycs are in S/H and did great this year. Diatomite or haydite, doesn't seem to matter. I also have some in S/H pots in coconut husk:charcoal:diatomite, and they are also doing well.

Losing leaves like crazy now, so I get to move them to a corner and stop watering them. More space for other things! Until spring...

[Gin]

What about a potted up keiki ?I don't think it is big enough to bloom , should I continue to water it ? no sign of leaf drop. Thanks Gin

[jim blanford]

I would keep watering it. The keiki I potted in April now has 6 buds about open. I will post a picture when it dose. lol. Jim.