I can’t tell if my Fdk After Dark Black Pearl is in dormancy?

[Cymbaline]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Some (especially complex hybrids) very definitely can flower during dormancy... Here is Mormodes Mark Mills... with a big, beautiful spike, has had no leaves (and no water) for at least 6 weeks. .

That is a giant bulb!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by ccole93

Ok! Good to know thank you. The media it’s in is really retaining water and is kind of sticky and muddy so I’ve been wanting to repot it. Here’s how it looks right now. There are a lot... of roots.

You can repot now for sure. And absolutely no need to water it now. In fact, best to have the media dry at this stage. Or if you weren't going to repot it ----- then letting the media dry right out will be good.

[ccole93]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

You can repot now for sure. And absolutely no need to water it now. In fact, best to have the media dry at this stage. Or if you weren't going to repot it ----- then letting the media dry right out will be good.

Thank you so much—and thank you to Roberta, too! I would’ve kept watering 😅 Thanks again all!

[ccole93]

Hi all!! So I have a leaf! It’s 3.75” from base to tip. Should I start watering? Here it was mentioned 3-4” or when the leaves are unfurling so I think I’m good?

[Roberta]

I would wait another couple of weeks. If you see really long roots winding around, you might give a sip, but it'll do no harm (and likely help) to wait a bit.

Take a look at the links in this thread for photos:
Sunset Valley Orchids Spring Culture Notes

[ccole93]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I would wait another couple of weeks. If you see really long roots winding around, you might give a sip, but it'll do no harm (and likely help) to wait a bit.

Take a look at the links in this thread for photos:
Sunset Valley Orchids Spring Culture Notes

Omg this is killing me 😆 But I’ll wait!

[Roberta]

Maybe put your hands in your pockets, and sing "Happy Birthday" as you pass the plant to distract yourself and make it impossible to reach for the watering can??

[ccole93]

I’m gonna have to!! I checked (and thank you for the video by the way; very helpful) and I don’t see any new roots yet so guess i’m a ways off!!!

Yeah I found the roots, they’re extremely tiny. Thanks again for saving my plant’s life 😆

[Roberta]

If the leaves start to spread out, that's also a clue if the roots are really down in the pot. But usually, even if the first batch of roots are hidden, they'll be a second flush of roots showing at the base of the growth... yet another clue that it's close.