Monnierara Millenium Magic Witchcraft- No dormancy? Should I water?

[oogalaboo]

Hello! I'm new here, I hope I've posted this in the correct place.

A few months ago I got a Monnierara from the discount table at a greenhouse because it's flowers were dropping. I've read about these Millenium Magic orchids and how they lose their leaves after their black flowers drop, and you're supposed to water them very sparingly at this point until 3 inches of new growth forms.

Well, mine never lost its leaves. It's still chugging along. I researched as to what I was supposed to do, and someone suggested that I withhold water to initiate dormancy. I was about to do that when I noticed a new bulb forming at the base of the old one. It's looking really healthy and bright and green, and is poking through the layer of moss at the top.

Should I still continue to water it, or leave it be for a while? I don't want to harm the new growth whatever I do, it's so cute.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

[78Terp]

I'm new to orchids myself so this is just what I think in relation to what I know.

My knowledge says that once the new growth starts, then start watering. But since yours started new growth without a rest, I'd keep watering it.

Now, others with more experience will hopefully chime in with their advice.

BTW- Welcome to Orchid Talk.

[Fanoforchids]

Hello., your orchid is a valuable and desirable orchid to have since it attained an FCC certificate in Oct. 2013. I understand that you don't want to hurt it. Are you growing it indoors? Most orchids enter dormancy because they get clues to do so. Shorter days or daylight and a drop in temp. are signals. If your plant has not dropped its leaves is because it hasn't received these signals. Please give me more info to give correct recommendation. I would continue watering as normal. The problem is that if you want it to bloom again, it must go through a period of dormancy.

[oogalaboo]

78Terp- Thank you for the suggestion and the welcome

Fanoforchids- I am growing it indoors, as I live in Canada. It is next to a West facing window. I have also got fluorescent lights but have only had them for a few days so far. I would assume it received less light than in the greenhouse, and we've had many overcast/snowy days. The temp., however, may have not dropped enough. Maybe thats it?

That sucks if I didn't give it a signal to go into dormancy. I really like the little growth, though. Thanks for the help!

[SeanHoutman]

That growth looks too round to be a new pseudobulb, they tend to be more triangular pointy. You might have a new spike coming up. In any case, don't force dormancy yet until you know. If it is a pseudobulb, you will see leaves emerging soon. If it flowers, then when the flowers fade, stop watering altogether for a month or 3.

[oogalaboo]

SeanHoutman- Thank you! I will watch it closely

[gardenguysorchids]

When mine puts out new growths I wait until they are about 2 inches to resume regular watering . That is usually early April. Until then I give it a little water once every 2 or three weeks . I do not soak it. If it is a new spike which would be surprising this late I would with hold regular watering until you are really sure it is indeed a spike. Just an occasional misting once or twice a month would be fine.

[oogalaboo]

Thanks! Today when I looked at it I saw a few leaves developing, so I'm pretty sure it's a bulb. It is growing quite quickly.

[Orquiadicto]

I haven't got a clue, but I'll follow this thread anyway. I just googled for this plant and I love it.