One, if by land ... - Orchid Board

Leisesturm · #1 07-14-2022, 06:36 PM

One, as in a single pseudobulb. I have gone down the rabbit hole of specialist growers 'lists' of available crosses and divisions and also 'single'. I interpret that as a single backbulb.

The price of these is as little as $10. Probably years away from blooming size but I have time ... certainly a few years worth.

I'd like to know more about getting a blooming size orchid from a single backbulb. I could contact the grower I suppose but I've come to appreciate and respect the knowledge base that resides here at OB. So ... fire when ready!

Dorchid · #2 07-14-2022, 08:23 PM

Depending on the size, species, it’s current condition, where it’s coming from and the conditions you can provide it, you could ostensibly get blooms in one growing season.

isurus79 · #3 07-15-2022, 09:37 AM

I wouldn't get less than 2 or 3 back bulbs on a Cattleya. They don't do well when only a single bulb is available, though it's not impossible to get one to live. Spending a bit extra on a healthy (3 bulbs+) division will pay dividends in the short and long term. Also, there's less chance of it dying outright.

Leisesturm · #4 07-15-2022, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

I wouldn't get less than 2 or 3 back bulbs on a Cattleya. They don't do well when only a single bulb is available, though it's not impossible to get one to live. Spending a bit extra on a healthy (3 bulbs+) division will pay dividends in the short and long term. Also, there's less chance of it dying outright.

Thanks, no, these are all Catasetinae species and hybrids on this list. Clowesia mainly. I figure if so many are being offered as a single backbulb it must be possible to get them established. The details of how is what I am looking into.

Dorchid · #5 07-15-2022, 11:59 AM

If you can find out a bit more about them, such as if they are currently producing new growth, have just gone dormant (regional dependent for the most part) and how big they are, that would help answer your question. If they're single-bulb seedlings, they may not get you flowers in the first growing season (but could); If they're large single-bulb divisions, they definitely could give you flowers in the first growing season. Check out SVO if you haven't already...the divisions which will bloom this season can be spendy but he just listed a variety of interesting looking crosses which will be small/seedlings for like $20 each...there's a link in this thread.
Link to SVO Catasetinae culture: Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts

Roberta · #6 07-15-2022, 12:05 PM

I think I'd question Catasetinae backbulbs at this time of year... it's the wrong time to be repotting and dividing. So unless it is actively growing (a single bulb that is producing its seasonal new growth has a good chance of getting to blooming size in a year or two) probably best to wait until the fall/winter to be looking for fresh divisions, backbulbs or otherwise.

Leisesturm · #7 07-15-2022, 12:22 PM

See, that's why I love this community. Checking further, 2022 meant last year. The list for this year is not ready yet! I did see that thread with the list for this year from SVO and do intend to make some purchases there. Thanks all. Still curious about kickstarting backbulbs for later this/next year

isurus79 · #8 07-15-2022, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

Thanks, no, these are all Catasetinae species and hybrids on this list. Clowesia mainly. I figure if so many are being offered as a single backbulb it must be possible to get them established. The details of how is what I am looking into.

Whoops, I thought I was in a different forum!!

Definitely needed more coffee this morning...

estación seca · #9 07-15-2022, 10:50 PM

That brings up an interesting question, which Roberta partially answered. Does anybody take off old Catasetinae back bulbs for propagation during the growing season?

It seems possible to me that once the new growth is well rooted and independent it might work well, if there's enough time for the bare back bulb to mature a new growth before the weather cools down. I know that when I've damaged new growths during the growing season the older part of the plant is quick to make another.

isurus79 · #10 07-16-2022, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

That brings up an interesting question, which Roberta partially answered. Does anybody take off old Catasetinae back bulbs for propagation during the growing season?

It seems possible to me that once the new growth is well rooted and independent it might work well, if there's enough time for the bare back bulb to mature a new growth before the weather cools down. I know that when I've damaged new growths during the growing season the older part of the plant is quick to make another.

Good question. I’ve had both happen, sometimes the bulb produces another growth and sometimes it just sits there and dies.