Catts love S/H!
 

My plants in s/h all seem to be really doing well. Here's an example of the rapid growth that is possible!

The before picture is was taken 8/25, the after picture taken 10/1. The plant is Blc Momilani Rainbow 'The Gypsy' HCC/AOS.

Good growth Scott. I have noticed an increase growth and happiness in my Catts in S/H also.

When I get home I'll post a pic of one that I thought was a goner - yet it has pushed new growths and things are looking up.

Also my stubborn C. warscewiczii (gigas) continues to do well and it's growth keeps getting bigger and bigger.

I haven't tried a cattleya ...but maybe I should!

Just be sure to repot coincident with new growth. Catts, more than some others, seem particularly picky about that.

Hmmmmm, this is interesting. I was always worried about Catt's in semi-hydro because they need to be a dryer than Phals & Paphs. I may just try one or two.

Ah HAH! Teresa, you have unknowingly given me an opportunity to jump on my soapbox again about stuff we've been taught that might not be totally correct, and I'm throwing this out for discussion, not as a jab at you, so please don't take it that way:


Yes, they have more water storage capacity than paphs or phals, but that doesn't mean they prefer drier conditions.

Many catt species come from South American rainforests, in which they are exposed to a great deal of moisture - heavy rain, fog, dew, saturated humidity... But unlike most of the areas where phals come from, there are distinct dry periods as well, and I believe that's where the pseudobulb adaptation comes in, not because of drier overall conditions.

In the environment of a semi-hydro pot, I think we're simulating the "monsoon' part of the cycle - wet, but still very airy.

Now then, that said, one might speculate that a catt in s/h culture might prefer a dry part to the cycle as well, but again I ask is the pseudobulb adaptation an indication that it wants that dry period, or just that it's capable of handling it if it comes?

I don't "rest" my plants. My collection is too diverse and I don't have time to give them individual attention, so everyone gets treated equally with respect to watering and feeding. So far (10+ years), so good. Will the catts do better if I rest them? Maybe, but they'll never get the chance to try!

Ok, you just made up my mind. I gonna change mine over. Do you know if Lc.'s like it too?

1) You're basing that decision on my opinion?!?! Foolish woman! (I do appreciate the vote of confidence, though. Where were you when I was dating?:biggrin:)

2) Why would a laeliocattleya be any different? In fact, if your Lc is made with a rupicolous laelia, it might (note I say "might") be even better suited!

The first use of 'Mud' (peat based potting mix) that I can find published uses cattleyas as the subject material, in 1977. They used 50% peat and 50% perlite. A very moisture retentive medium.

Since reading that article, I have assumed cattleyas could tolerate more water than they typically get. I don't think the concept of cattleyas being adaptable to moist conditions is all that revolutionary... Although you would be hard pressed to find many old school growers who would believe it.

And they do well for me in S/H too. When you abstract it, S/H is like mud, only much more controllable. Constant moisture and nutrient availability, without the tendency of the middle of the pot to stay too wet.

LOL! You go Ray! :cheer:

I think my problem is that I am so worried about over watering that I under water too much. I have lost so many Catt's over the years that I have pretty much given up on them. I do have one Bc Binosa 'Wabash Valley' (hence my Avatar) that blooms for me religiously 2-3 times a year. It's my pride and joy. Plus I have a Bc. Hippodamia (B. nodosa x C. aclandiae) that is sprouting new bulbs like crazy - hoping it will be blooming soon as well. These two are the most healthy ones in my collection, so I think I will stick to Bc's only! :biggrin:
What about a Catt. Walkeriana? Would it be save to put one of those in semi-hydro? I have one that looks like hell and I want to try and revive it.