Fredclarkeara After Dark repotting / dormancy
 

Hi Everybody!

Finally I just got my long desired Fredclarkeara After Dark (see pictures) from an online seller, and have the following questions:

- based on the yellowing of the leaves is possible that the plant is entering its dormancy period, or is this caused by something else (please note that it seems that the last leaf has not been fully formed)?
- if the plant is entering dormancy, should I already stop watering (can I use fertilizer / seaweed stuff?), or wait until all leaves are dropped?
- is the small kinda yellowish knob at the base of the big pseudobulb a future growth, or an undeveloped past growth...I guess it is not a flower spike :(

Thanks a lot in advance guys!

Pictures

It certainly looks like it's entering dormancy. Stop watering and don't fertilize it. Wait for new growth in the spring before resuming watering. As soon as you notice a new growth forming is the time to repot if necessary, but hold off on watering until the pseudobulb from this season shrivels significantly.

I think that's a spike / aborted spike

As early as it is, I would keep watering until the green leaves turn color, trying to build up the pseudobulb as much as possible this growing season. The lump does look like a spike which may or may not mature. It is a nice sized pseudobulb, so it should do well next season.

Maxx--- I agree with fishmom. That one leaf may be yellowing from stress due to being shipped (assuming that's how you received it). I also agree that looks like a bud spike that may or may not be viable. They often blast in shipping.

There have been several threads here on catasetum culture (and their hybrids) so have fun researching those. You will find there are as many differing opinions on their care and culture as there are members on this forum. I believe this adds merit to the suggestion, applicable to all orchids, that it is highly dependent on the exact conditions your growing space can provide to the plant.

That plant may indeed be growing a spike. I would keep the medium moist until the flowers are done. Then stop watering until the new growth has roots reaching deep into the pot. Good luck! Share photos when it blooms.

Yes to flower spike and dormancy. I'd water a few more times and then stop until the new growth has roots 4" long.

Follow this guide and you'll be good to go: Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts

Thanks for everybody, your insight is much valued.

I guess I will slowly reduce watering until all leaves turn yellow / drop (in the meantime I will also see whether the spike develops or not), and then cease watering at all. Should I move the plant to cooler / darker location, or can it remain where it is (indoors on the windowsill, in our heated apartment).

Thanks!

I see no reason to move it during dormancy (unless you need the windowsill for something else.) Once they lose leaves, I don't think they care about anything except not being watered... I keep mine in the greenhouse during the coldest months both for warmth and staying dry. Light is "there" but with no leaves, I doubt that it uses much. (They go outside once night temperatures get above 10-13 deg C (50-55 deg F) and live there until late fall when nights get back down)

Thank You Roberta!