Fdk. After Dark

[Mr.Fakename]

Jeff, isurus79 also has a YouTube channel. It's a goldmine and his explanations really helped me get a feeling for this group of plants: Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis - YouTube

[SouthPark]

Roberta is indeed correct regarding temperature and humidity ------- climate/environment.

There are conditions where watering can be detrimental to the orchid's health, and then there are conditions where watering has not only no negative impact on the orchid's health - but can even be beneficial ----- such as for cases where Fred mentions that if bulbs are shrinking or shriveling significantly - then a dash of water could help plump it up again - or even save its life.

Sharing information and experiences to get a better understanding of the growing 'envelope' is a nice thing.

I don't have an urge to water my catasetum orchids when new roots emerge heheh. I just didn't believe that water would stunt/kill emerging roots under any circumstance - for every climate and condition.

But I do believe that relatively cold and wet can be an issue. That is believable and understandable.

[Jeff214]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Sharing information and experiences to get a better understanding of the growing 'envelope' is a nice thing.

Right, I agree. I was more curious how you were making it work and what aspects might inform my growing. That's why I was curious about the fert / water distinction for new growths on catasetums. But to Roberta and Mr. F's point, my environment is different from yours and I'll follow the expert advise (Fred Clarke) before I start playing around with my culture.

Well in any case, I'm excited for the buds on your plant. I've never seen a catasetum bloom in person...yet. Hope yours does soon!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Jeff214

Well in any case, I'm excited for the buds on your plant. I've never seen a catasetum bloom in person...yet. Hope yours does soon!

Jeff ------ one thing I notice about the catasetum type orchids that developed flower spikes over here ------ is the relatively quick rate of development ------ from start of spike growth to the budding stage. Same sort of quick spike growth as in other orchids (cattleya etc). Oncidium can be an exception though ---- it can take ages for their spike to reach bud and flower opening stage.

Back to catasetum type orchids and your climate. Totally behind following Fred's recommendations. And definitely looking forward to your catasetum type orchids developing flower spikes too! It's going to be great. And also - what you will really like (as well) - guaranteed - is watching the early development of the spike ----- with interesting 'anemone' features, and nice colours too.