These cattleyas look ready to repot but it is winter? - Orchid Board

SaffronZA · #1 06-04-2018, 06:47 AM

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. I recently expanded my collection about 10 times because I finally have enough space for plants. Yay! I am very excited to learn as much as possible about orchids so I though it best to join a forum where I could get advice on my specific conditions and plants. I have read a lot but I still have some questions.

I bought these two cattleyas in the past month (see pictures below). The Hawaiian Splash 'Lea' was not in bloom but the other cattleya (no ID) was. The flowers faded very quickly. So my question is, when should I repot them? As can be seen in the pictures, both of them are developing new growths (correct me if I am wrong) but it is officially winter here since the 1st of June. Can I repot them and try to keep them as warm as possible? Or must I wait for the next growths? Does it matter if it is cold or not? The forecasted temperature for June is between 22 and 6 degrees Celsius (42.8 - 71,6 F if I am not mistaken).

I am new to cattleyas so any help from more experienced growers will be much appreciated!

Ray · #2 06-04-2018, 07:24 AM

Now, when the new roots are emerging from the base of the plant, is the time to repot them.

Providing some warmth will help sustain the growth, so they get well established.

Roberta · #3 06-04-2018, 11:41 AM

Ray is spot-on The roots are telling you "pot me" ... Plant is just starting to root, which is the perfect time - it is nearly impossible to not damage new root tips when repotting, but at this stage, there will be a lot more, that will emerge into the new medium and establish quickly. Those who say to pot only in the spring, tend to grow those Catts that root in the spring... the fall/winter rooting ones die. The plants will tell you what they want, and when and if you listen, you'll succeed.

estación seca · #4 06-05-2018, 01:32 AM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

The Lea is ready to repot right now. You could have repotted it as soon as all those root nubs began.

The NOID is not ready to repot. I don't see any new growth on the NOID, and no new roots. When it makes a set of root nubs you can repot.

Many hybrids combine species that push new growth at different times of the year. As a result, many hybrids will begin pushing new growth as soon as they are finished flowering, if temperatures are correct. The winter temperatures you describe are adequate for many Cattleyas to grow. Try to keep them on the dry side if you have prolonged periods of low daytime temperatures and cloudy skies.

Some Cattleya species don't form roots until the new growth has grown, matured and flowered. Some of their hybrids follow this growth pattern. Repotting these when new growth starts can be a disaster. The plant struggles to complete a growth with damaged roots, but there is no hope for new roots for many months. This is why it is best to wait to repot for new root growth, not new shoot growth.

SaffronZA · #5 06-05-2018, 02:16 AM

Thank you so much Ray, Roberta and estación seca!

estación seca, that makes a lot of sense, I will keep that in mind. Thank you!

I repotted the Lea and I think there might be more than one growth direction! Or maybe an old bud that tried to grow? I don't know exactly if cattleyas do this but I will post some photos for you. It was quite a mission to get the Lea out of the moss. It is really not suited for my environment and I wanted to get it out so that repotting can be done easily in the future. Anyway, I am really excited for the blooms

ArronOB · #6 06-05-2018, 03:34 AM

Thank you for this post and replies. I was just puzzling the same thing and was about to put up the same question when I found this post.
Cheers

Arron

Orchid Whisperer · #7 06-05-2018, 05:29 AM

Looking at the third photo, I am hoping that the flowers are just old and a little beaten up, but I was concerned that some of the streaking could be color break? Possible indicator of virus.

Keep that plant isolated from other plants. Don't share tools, potting materials, etc. between that plant and others, consider getting it virus tested.

SaffronZA · #8 06-05-2018, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Looking at the third photo, I am hoping that the flowers are just old and a little beaten up, but I was concerned that some of the streaking could be color break? Possible indicator of virus.

Keep that plant isolated from other plants. Don't share tools, potting materials, etc. between that plant and others, consider getting it virus tested.

I bought it from a lady that owns a furniture store, some of the petals were folded so I did not expect the flowers to last long. I don't think she knows anything about orchids and only bought them to look pretty on her furniture. I really think it is just mechanical damage. I really hope that you are wrong. I always sterilize my tools and never water with the same water or in the same container. How long will it take to see for sure if it has a virus and what are the signs to look out for? I doubt that I can send it somewhere in South Africa to get tested. It would cost more than the plant I think. Can I treat it or will I then have to get rid of the plant?

Here is a bigger photo of the flowers closer to the time I got the orchid.