Catasetum 'Fredclarkarea SVO Black Pearl': Two canes with different stage of growth.

[Roberta]

For a good reference on this group of orchids, check out Sunset Valley Orchids - Catesetinae Culture Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids knows at least as much about Catasetinae as anybody on the plant (the genus Fredclarkeara is named for him, he did the first breeding to create the genus) I have also posted some notes from his newsletters on this forum - search for "Fred Clarke".

---------- Post added at 11:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Aedrich

It is really hard to find people with Catasetum experience. 😂 Most people are Phalaenopsis Experts.

See above references

[Aedrich]

Originally Posted by isurus79

To me this plant is leaning towards dormancy, but not quite there yet. Slowly drying it out will help its growth cycle get back on track.

I think you can repot this in the spring too. The media looks good (i.e. not spoiled), but its packed too loosely. I'd cram it in there when you repot. Tight moss holds less water than loose moss and tends to last longer. Loose moss quickly turns into a soggy, algae infested mess.

That was what I was thinking as well. However, I am new to this and I just want confirmation. I will gradually reduce the volume as well as the frequency of watering until all the leaves have fallen off.

Hopefully by January it will be completely dormant. In your own oppinion given the size of this plant... will it produce a flower spike this cycle or not?

---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Roberta

For a good reference on this group of orchids, check out Sunset Valley Orchids - Catesetinae Culture Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids knows at least as much about Catasetinae as anybody on the plant (the genus Fredclarkeara is named for him, he did the first breeding to create the genus) I have also posted some notes from his newsletters on this forum - search for "Fred Clarke".

---------- Post added at 11:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------



See above references

I have read his notes actually. 😊

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Aedrich

In your own oppinion given the size of this plant... will it produce a flower spike this cycle or not?

It's certainly possible you'll get a spike. However, my guess is no spike. The newest growth is smaller than the last one so I think the plant is stressed with the new growing conditions. If you can get this one to crank out a big fat bulb in 2019, it'll definitely bloom next time.

[Aedrich]

Originally Posted by isurus79

It's certainly possible you'll get a spike. However, my guess is no spike. The newest growth is smaller than the last one so I think the plant is stressed with the new growing conditions. If you can get this one to crank out a big fat bulb in 2019, it'll definitely bloom next time.

Thank you for your help 😊. I wouldnt be able to manage without your advice. I have tranfered the plant to another pot by the way. The one it came with has only one small drainage hole. Upon ripping that "pot" I found the media very moist. Luckily I have noticed this...if not I would have had a nasty rot. I think the set up wasnt designed for dormancy since the amount of drainage hole was ridiculous. Now with air following, In hope that the media dries evenly and this might hasten the dormancy period

[isurus79]

You’re welcome!

[Aedrich]

Originally Posted by isurus79

You’re welcome!

I think I have finally found out why the other growth was stunted. It appears that this plant had some spider mite problem upon inspecting the leaves it showed patterns of old infestation. The orchid nusery it came from might had it too.

Now my real concern is that...will the spider mites be able to come back next spring or do they die off in the dead of winter?

Do you think they might live in the old media? Should I throw away the old media and get a new one...just so I can prevent any new infestation next spring?

[isurus79]

Unfortunately spider mites are always around! I think changing the media is a good idea and just stay vigilant. The mites thrive in dry air.

[estación seca]

It is essentially impossible to get rid of spider mites for good. We always have to be on the watch and we always have to be prepared to deal with them. They linger on all your plants, even if they don't cause trouble for some of them.

Many house plants arrive with spider mites that are not a significant problem for that particular plant. Some plants are highly susceptible - the Catasetinae orchid tribe is among these plants.

[Aedrich]

Originally Posted by isurus79

It's certainly possible you'll get a spike. However, my guess is no spike. The newest growth is smaller than the last one so I think the plant is stressed with the new growing conditions. If you can get this one to crank out a big fat bulb in 2019, it'll definitely bloom next time.

I have noticed this little nodule on my plant. Is it a flower spike?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Aedrich

I have noticed this little nodule on my plant. Is it a flower spike?

That can turn into a growth or a spike. No way to know for sure until it starts growing and gets bigger.