I tend to agree with you, Rob. I, however, I have a remedy for the
following:
This species flowers, for me, while leafless. And usually flowers
with the spike going backwards into the bench materials, so that it
can't be moved for display.
When the spikes appear on mine, I take the plant inside and place in a
sunny window. That way water does not catch the spike nor the flowers.
Inside they seem to get more of a rest period, and it appears that the
ones that bloom the previous year seem to bloom once again the next
year.
.. . . Pam
Everything Orchid Management System
http://www.pe.net/~profpam/page3.html
(includes orchid care for many of the species)
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Rob Halgren wrote:
GrlIntrpted wrote:
I recently purchased a Catsetum pileatum. It arrived and is comprised of an
older p/b and a new full of leaves growth. The information about caring for
it on the web is conflicting. Is now the stage when I hold back the water
completely? Is the new growth about to shed it's leaves? Some websites say
that it will bloom after it sheds it's leaves, and other websites say that
it will flower from the late fall and into Christmas! Is mine about to
bloom? or is about to go bald?
The information is confusing because these are confusing plants. In
my hands they behave differently than in your hands. My leaves fall
more in response to spider mite infestation than any seasonal
activity... *grin* Anyway, don't worry about it. Continue to water it
as you normally would until the leaves start to yellow, then start
withholding water. Let the plant tell you when it wants to go dormant.
The plant knows. It might take a few years to figure out just what
seasons you have at your house, just like a person with jet-lag.
This species flowers, for me, while leafless. And usually flowers
with the spike going backwards into the bench materials, so that it
can't be moved for display. Consistently. Perhaps the spikes like to
travel away from the light.
Rob
--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit