Monnierara Millennium Magic turning yellow after purchase
 

Hey folks, I've recently gotten into getting orchids other than phals. I bought a Monnierara Millennium Magic from a local orchid show 2 weeks ago. When I got it there was already a yellow leaf (which fell off), but in the past two weeks the other leaves have begun turning yellow. I, perhaps wrongfully, assumed it was already in its growing phase since its March and I've lightly watered it once. I'm located in the midwest.

Does anyone have any insight on this, or am I just being overly cautious?

I wouldn't expect it to look like this in March. Did it come from the southern hemisphere? Probably just really far behind in going into dormancy. I wouldn't water it until there was a new growth with 4" roots

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I don't know how much experience you have with these. They have a very seasonal annual growth and dormancy cycle. Yours is out of cycle.

The best online advice is in the Cultural Information section at Sunset Valley Orchids. I strongly recommend you read it, and reread it from time to time.

The previous growers kept watering your plant and kept it warm, so it didn't go dormant at the normal time in November-December. It hasn't begun its new growth yet for spring. I would put it someplace warm and dry, stop watering completely so the medium is bone dry, and let it go completely dormant. The leaves will fall off.

It will eventually begin making a new growth and new roots. Don't water yet. If you water too early the new growth will not develop properly.

Don't water until the new roots are quite long. It's well explained on the SVO site. From that point on you will water and fertilize heavily all summer.

Thank you both for the answers and the warm welcome! I've read a couple culture sheets before, but this is my first Catasetum. I'll make sure to check out SVO's.

The grower I got it from was local. I was suspecting that the difference in temp/humidity from greenhouse to my house could potentially trigger a late dormancy. I'll make sure to keep it dry until I see the roots about that long!

Whereabouts are you located?

I forgot to mention - if you subscribe to the SVO E-mail list Fred will send periodic messages with information about what to do with your Catasetinae at that time of the year.

That's awesome! I'll definitely sign up!

I'm located in Ohio. So my ambient house temperatures at this time of year are significantly colder than a greenhouse would be.