Fdk x ctsm from SVO question

[mook1178]

I just received my recent order from sunset valley orchids. One of the plants is an Fdk x ctsm. I know the general culture requirements of winter rest and dormancy. this particular plant has the obvious pseudobulb growth that started in the spring and is showing signs of dormancy. However, there is a new growth starting, maybe an inch to an inch and a half. The growth is just starting to open up the leaves.

Should I go ahead and stop watering for dormancy or continue light watering over the winter to promote this newer growth? If I let dormancy happen and stop watering, will the new growth die and everything resume normal in the spring?

[fishmom]

I would water on the basis of the dormancy in the parent p-bulb. In the normal run of things, the new growth takes nutrients from the older bulb, and yours will do just that. When the parent bulb is dormant or nearly so, cut the water off unless there is drastic shriveling, You may want to dribble a bit around the edges of the pot during dormancy; there has been some discussion of this technique on the forum. When the new growth is fully open and there are 2-4 inches of roots, it will be time to water again.



Personally, I like to repot as soon as I can see where the new growth is located, but in your case I would wait until the older bulb is dormant unless you see the new roots getting too long. The new roots are very tender, so repotting before they hit the medium helps me prevent breakage.

[mook1178]

Thank you. Sounds like I will just treat it normal for the most part then. Just have to keep an eye on the roots of the new growth.

[isurus79]

Ya, I'd keep watering (but no fertilizer) until the new roots start to pop out on the new growth. Then don't water until the new roots are minimum (I prefer longer) 4". I've got several Catasetinae doing this now as well.

[mook1178]

This is the orchid in question. I can't see the roots the way it's potted. The new growth has added about an inch since receiving 2 weeks ago. Should I continue to water?

[DirtyCoconuts]

I’d say the prevailing wisdom is leave it alone until you see visible roots poppin out of the top of the medium around that new growth and then only when those roots are of some length.

If it has grown an inch since you received it and that older bulb is still looking that smooth then let him feed off the old one and avoid rotting it.

[isurus79]

I agree. No water yet. Give it a month or two.

[mook1178]

Thank you everyone. I will not water for a while then. My next, and hopefully last, question, at least with this plant is can I go ahead and repot now?

As I said earlier, I cannot see the roots. If I was to repot,I probably wouldn't even try to clean out the old media. It still looks very fresh, I just think it's going to need a bigger pot. As seen in the photo, roots are growing out from the top. So can I just get a bigger pot and throw in media to fill the void?

[fishmom]

Yes, and the sooner the better.

[isurus79]

I wouldn’t touch it. The roots are likely to get damaged and the pot size looks fine.