My smallest Cattleya walkeriana has been recovering all summer from losing its roots over the previous winter. The damage was a result of excessive dryness. By now, there are new roots and a new pseudobulb at one end of the rhizome, but no vigorous growth like last summer when the plant doubled in size, forming two new p-bulbs at each end. The other half of the rhizome stayed green and healthy looking this summer, but did not grow or form any roots.
It occurred to me that the current lack of vigor would be due to the new roots at the growing end having to support the entire rhizome. So I cut it in half and replaced the rooted part in a wooden basket full of fir bark.
What would you do with the other half? Would you toss it or try to root it? I’m thinking I should give it a shot with sphag, or sphag and bag, or maybe by setting the base of the cutting in water.
- Meanwhile, I’ve learned something about walkerianas from practical experience and further research. Culture info always specifies a dry rest period in winter. That indicates a need for reduced watering - it does not mean letting the roots dry out. In the natural habitat, there is a dry winter with little rain and lower humidity, but walkerianas do not suffer from lack of moisture. Dew forms at night, keeping them sufficiently hydrated.
09-15-2006, 11:01 PM
C. walkeriana Roots - Losing Them and Getting Them Back
Linear Mode
