Laelia Gouldiana Question

[sammywolffox]

I have a mounted Laelia Gouldiana. My experience with Laelias is limited. The plant is healthy and produced new growth last summer but did not bloom in the fall. I determined that I was probably over watering the plant in the winter and significantly reduced the amount of water and fertilizer provided. To my suprise I am now seeing significant new root growth during the "rest" period. Should I continue to withhold water or should I increase the amount of water provided?
Thanks

[tucker85]

I don't grow L. gouldiana but I think it always helps to know how an orchid grows in the wild. Here's the information on gouldiana from the Baker's culture sheet.

ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. Halbinger and Soto (1997) report that these plants are cultivated in the state of Hidalgo, northeast of Mexico City, at 3950–6250 ft. (1200–1900 m). They are grown most often in a region of deep ravines and are almost always found on mesquite trees in dry, brushy areas in the semiarid mountains. -- Source: Charles Baker

[sammywolffox]

I don't grow L. gouldiana but I think it always helps to know how an orchid grows in the wild. Here's the information on gouldiana from the Baker's culture sheet.

ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. Halbinger and Soto (1997) report that these plants are cultivated in the state of Hidalgo, northeast of Mexico City, at 3950–6250 ft. (1200–1900 m). They are grown most often in a region of deep ravines and are almost always found on mesquite trees in dry, brushy areas in the semiarid mountains. -- Source: Charles Baker

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[sammywolffox]

Thanks Jeff, I always find your advice of great value. In the most recent Orchid Bulletin an article recommended a rest period of up to three months with no water or fertilizer for this orchid. I was extending the rest period for this plant based on that article. I see orchids beginning to show growth as a sign that a rest period is ending but this is the first time I had seen significant growth in what should be the middle of a rest period.

[tucker85]

Like I say, I'm not familiar with this orchid, but some orchids start growing roots this time of year, in preparation for the upcoming spring rains. That would make a lot of sense for an orchid that grows in a dry region. It could be preparing itself to take full advantage of the little bit of rain that it does get in the spring. If that's the case, it may mean that the plant is not used to getting much water until the roots have grown out some. The daylight hours are still short and orchids don't grow much this time of year. When you see the first pseudobulbs starting, I would definitely start watering and fertilizing. I really can't say if you should water before then or not. Sorry I can't be more help.