Something's happening to my Cycnoches.

[sandra]

This is the first time I'm seeing your thread solay. I didn't know you had this in spike. I was reading fast through the posts to get to a happy ending when I saw the latest pics. I felt like crying too. This is the sadest thing I've learned today. I'm sooooooo sorry.

[solay]

Thanks Sandra. It was sad. The Cyc. Jean E. Monnier was the one that I was more upset about since I broke the spike. It was unexpected. The Cyc. William Clarke rotted slowly so I didn't feel too bad.

That's OK. It's a learning experience. I will have to get a replacement soon. I'm in high spirits since I'm about to go on vacation.

Sandra, I attached a pic. of me on my last vacation. Reminds me of your avatar.

[sandra]

solay, I think Cycnoches & Catasetum need precisely, the exact culture called for (whatever that is!) and any deviation leads to a quick demise with these. I have 3 Catasetum's and I'm never sure what to think with them. They all started out with new growths and got big, quickly and just as quickly, 2 of the plants new growths, rotted. I didn't think I was overwatering and still don't know what I did wrong...for the next time???? Now those 2 are growing again with new bulbs and leaves. The one that didn't lose any growth, is just sitting there doing notta!

I would really like to know why yours was doing so well and had gotten that far, only to suddenly rot and die off like that....as I'm sure, you want to know also! How often were you watering? What did you have it potted in? Fertilizing?

On a happier note, I read you're going to Puerto Rico. I've heard it's incredibly beautiful, lots to do and the food is great. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

[articuno75]

So depressing...I was looking forward to seeing this one.

Are you going to try again?

[kmarch]

Well solay...for what it's worth, I'm heartbroken on your behalf! I was so looking forward to those flowers! I'm really quite puzzled by the rotting on the Cycnoces. There's probably a lesson in there that we should all learn but I'm not quite sure what it is.

I think there's a very good chance you put your finger on it when you said about not repotting it and leavign it in moss which may have gotten too wet. It may be best to 1) repot these orchids every year whether it seems they need it or not, and/or 2) use a very open dry mix which allows the roots to soak up moisture but then does not remain very wet for very long. It may be also that the Cycnoces should receive less water as they spike. I'd like to know what people think, especially on that last point about reducing watering when in spike.

When I grew mine I didn't do any of these things except that I did pot them in open dry mixes.

[Vivienne]

Kevin - good thoughts. I am finding myself torn as to what to do with mine, which is currently spiking from last years growth and not this years. To water or not and if water, how often? I haven't a clue what mine is, other than Cycnoches NoID, so I really want it to bloom so I can try to find out. I'm a nervous nelly with this one after solay's unfortunate losses.

[kmarch]

Is it in a open dry mix Vivienne?

[Vivienne]

Yep - large bark only with styro peanuts on the bottom

[sandra]

Originally Posted by Vivienne

To water or not and if water, how often? I haven't a clue what mine is, other than Cycnoches NoID, so I really want it to bloom so I can try to find out. I'm a nervous nelly with this one after solay's unfortunate losses.

Me too Vivienne. Every move (or not) I make with these, I feel as though I haven't a clue.

solay, I would have advised against the sphag. only because everything I've read about them is that their watering requirements are very, very specific and important to follow and along with their absolute need for a long drying out spell and also the amount of water to use depending on where in their growth cycles they are, I'd conclude that measuring the amount of water in and the need to dry out faster, would mean a less water retentive medium. (did I just make sense?)

[kid a]

Was it rotting from the roots? I will have to be extra watchfull with mine.

[solay]

I decided to re-pot one and keep the other in the same pot and sphag. it came in. As Kevin said, the one I re-potted in bark mix with a little moss on top is doing fine still. The bark mix stayed much dryer. So I think it's safe to say that then extra moisture was the culprit. Less water is the answer I think.

Jenny, but of course. I'm going to have to buy the exact plant.

Kortney, it rotted from the bottom up. The roots are all soft now and has a distinct smell of rotting roots.

Here is the broken bud that opened up yesterday. I like the spots.

[patticake]

At least you get to enjoy the bloom! It's a beautiful one, too!!

[articuno75]

OOOooo it's a pretty one too.

Love the spots!!!!

[kmarch]

I think, because the watering needs of these pants is so extreme - from weeks without a drop to heavy watering while in growth - the best bet is to use an open, "dry" mix and just water really heavily and frequently during the season in which they're expecting that. Does that make sense?

BTW, the flower that was broken off is really very lovely/dramatic. I'm happy you/we got to see it and I'm looking forward to its next flowering!

[solay]

Yes, I think your right on about the mix Kevin. Hope next flowering will be less eventful. I was happy the flower opened despite the early plucking.

[arleneg]

Cindy,

Sorry to hear/see that other Cyc go to orchid heaven.

I have 5 seedling Cycs that are in sphag moss. However, I let the moss dry before I water. This winter, I'll be repotting those 5 in coconut husk chips.

[kid a]

I as so looking forward to seeing the Wiliam CLarke open up since that is what I have. I haven't been watering mine much, it looks the same as when I got it. I have heard to stop watering when the flowers are open all together and taper until they open.