Cattleya seedlings- did I do a bad thing?

[gabi_borza]

Hello all! A couple of days ago I recieved two Cattleya seedlings from a french grower.
BLC U. Rattana x Blc Chia Lin (that's all the tag said)

Healthy plant, good root system.
And BLC Chun Yeah

This one had a little bit of root rot, but still some good roots, so I think it will recover.

I have no experience with plants this small, so I hope I can benefit from your knowledge. Both plants were potted in some sort of coconut chunks, a medium which does not work in my growing conditions, it keeps moisture way too long so I repotted both in medium sized pine bark. Did I do a bad thing? I'm hoping to get some advices and tips from the more experienced growers on this forum. Also do they need a more constant moisture than adult plants?
Last question, when do you think I could get blooms from them (if they survive)?
P.S. I didn't have any pots that small, and since the original pots had no bottom (just a big hole) I had to improvise.

[panam]

Heh, heh - Love the pots! I have a few seedlings that small - I figure I'll have to wait a couple years, but I'm going to watch this thread to see if maybe I can see something sooner!

[Dorsetman]

Cattleyas generally shuold only be repotted when a new batch of roots springs out ; this happens at a time dependent on the genes. For example all C.loddigessii do this after making up the bulb but before flowering ; all C.warneri do it after flowering before starting a new growth, and so on. It is to be avoided at oiher times if possible,
But when you get a new plant that has to be an eecpetion - if it is in unsuitable compostv then shift it out ASAP. I don;'t think the rotten root cries out to be removed, I would not repot just for that, but when repotting I always remove them.
Adult plants want to dry out between waterings and perhaps be watered only when in active growth. If no new growth, no buds, then keep quite dryish. But again seedlings are an exception and I would not let them get very dry,
I hope all this helps a little,

[gabi_borza]

Thanks Geoff. Good advice! I always repot when I get a new plant with improper medium (for my conditions I mean). Also it was a little bit degraded, so I think it was the best decision. I hope they get trough the repotting shock and do just fine.
Patty, it took me an hour to make the holes

[panam]

Patty, it took me an hour to make the holes

I'm impressed! I hope your new babies appreciate it!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Nice going, Gabi. I bet your new orchids will appreciate the care. I would guess that you will have blooms on those guys in two to three years depending on light and care, etc...

Cheers,
BD

[gabi_borza]

Thanks Bruce! I hope so too!
Any tips on growing them? I guess I can keep them with my mature Catts, only slightly moist.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks Bruce! I hope so too!
Any tips on growing them? I guess I can keep them with my mature Catts, only slightly moister.

Yes, they will appreciate more moisture than the mature cattleya orchids that need to completely dry out. If you move these into brighter light, do so a little at a time. It is easy to burn new seedlings that are not used to the same light levels as your adult cattleya are most likely growing in.

Cheers,
BD

[gabi_borza]

Good to know! Thanks Bruce! My Catts get direct morning sun, untill about 10:30 am. I guess I'll accustom them gradually to my conditions.

[Halloamey]

I got a very similar looking seedlings, they are growing very nicely, as you already thought about it, yes the little seedlings do not like to completely dry out like older plants (they lack the nice plump pseudobulbs of adults that store and supply water as needed), mine are kept continuously moist (not wet) I water them every 3 days and spray them everyday. They are growing wonderfully with multiple shoots, I will take some photos and upload them. I also fertilize mine with osmocote slow release fertilizer.