Trigger new root growth in Catasetinids? - Orchid Board

Trollsvans · #1 05-02-2016, 09:22 AM

I've got a Cycnoches hybrid (herrenhusanum x smudged something).
The current growth is about 20 cm tall, but the roots... it had five new sprouting this year, four of which ran aground into the creases between the growth and the two old bulbs, and just stopped.
The fifth actually made it all the way to the pot... and then just stopped.
It may have gotten wet, I'm not that sure, but my wife did mention that the cat had thought itself smooth as a ninja and stealthily toppled over half of my plants while barging along the window, one of which was this one, and another is a semihydro pot, so shit might have happened.

Either way: can the plant be triggered into spouting new feet, or is it left with last year's roots?

isurus79 · #2 05-02-2016, 01:01 PM

Hmmmm....I don't think you can trigger new roots on these guys, but it might just put out new ones on its own. Its still pretty early in the growing season.

Trollsvans · #3 05-03-2016, 04:06 AM

Right.
I'll be hoping for it, I thought five new was a bit sparse to begin with so there might be hope for more.

katrina · #4 05-03-2016, 07:53 AM

Keep it dry and give it as much light as you can and it will more than likely make additional roots. These guys are root monsters! I've never seen a healthy one not make more roots. Dry and super bright.

FWIW - my Wine Delight is over 12" (30cm) tall and I've just started watering it and I have another one in double spike and it's almost 18" (45cm) tall and I've just recently started watering it. Yours has more growing to do...it'll be fine, I would bet.

AvantGardner · #5 05-08-2016, 10:18 AM

Sorry, I've been unable to log in for a while, but I saw this and wanted to share. I've had similar problems. I tend to water earlier than most people because my roots grow much faster and longer than the top growth, and I hate seeing pseudobulb shrivel!

I've found that irrigation with KelpMax (available through a vendor here, First Rays) helps to keep my roots growing faster, bigger, stronger. I use it at recommended strength for about 4 waterings in a row when I start watering out of dormancy. It really does the trick

Also, i grow in clear pots. If I see root growth isn't up to snuff, more KelpMax. One of my orchid hacks. I'm no expert, by far, but I've grown some monsters with my methods. It all starts with the roots

thlap · #6 05-22-2016, 09:58 AM

Hi guys

I also have a concern about my catasetum. I bought a bulb with no roots about 2 months ago. It's about 15cm and seems very health and green. It'a late Maynow but there is no new growth. I don't water it and in the spot I have it is very bright. The bulb still seems healthy but no growth. What can I do to trigger a new growth? Can I put in in a dark place for a while or give some water?

katrina · #7 05-22-2016, 12:16 PM

No to the water and the dark. Water could rot the pbulb and it needs lignt. Patience is the key w/that one. All you can do is wait for it to wake up. Warm, bright and dry.

thlap · #8 05-22-2016, 06:26 PM

Thank you for your answer. I ll keep it as it is and I will wait

SandraL · #9 06-09-2016, 07:55 AM

I've been having similar problems with my two hybrids. They seemed to be growing roots just fine and then suddenly they stoped growing.

My Cycnoches loddigesii x Catasetum pileatum grew several roots and leaves. When the roots were long enough I started watering a bit and when I noticed they were absorbing water I increased watering. Then it just stopped, roots and leaves. The roots still absorb moisture but as far as I can see there is no growth. I do need to add that I have moved to another apartment, so perhaps it did not like the change.

My Catasetum charlesworthii x ornithoides had nice roots when I got it so I gave it a bit of water every now and then (I keep it in my office at work, so it didn't change environment). It grew like crazy for a while, the leaves are huge but there was not much root development. As far as I can see the leaves are still growing and the root tips look green but not gowing anywhere.

The first one is in a west-facing window, getting near direct sunlight. The second one is in room with a south-east window but was shaded until today, when I put her in a place with more light. I wonder if it's the crazy weather we've been getting here this year that is causing them to act strange?

thlap · #10 06-09-2016, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katrina

No to the water and the dark. Water could rot the pbulb and it needs lignt. Patience is the key w/that one. All you can do is wait for it to wake up. Warm, bright and dry.

At last my cycnodes has a new growth!
I expected to be much closer to the base of the plant but it's OK. I m happy with the new growth

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