Cycnodes Taiwan Gold 'Taiwan Orange' Picture & Question

[JDT]

First my picture, then my question.


This is the first of this species I have had, in research I understand that you are to remove the bulbs from the pot and if you wish separate them and store un-potted with little or no water for the winter. My question do you remove the roots, I have read articles that say yes and some that say no, just want to find out which way is the best way.
Thanks

[Wade's Orchids]

I wouldn't unpot them unless you plan on dividing them or if the potting medium is starting to break down. Just give them a cool, dry period starting late fall lasting until the new root growth is about 3" long. This information is garnered from Fred Clarke who has bred them. I have a couple Catasetums now but no Cycnodes.

[catasetum-ian]

concur with Wade's comments.

but to remove the roots or not depends on the condition of the plant. if you find a lot of brownish unhealthy roots, i would removed them.
and another thing is (just my personal practice), i removed all newly purchased plant to barebulb and start all over again to reduce chances of introducing pest or disease into the existing collection.

and if it a plant from my own existing collection and the roots are in superb condition, i would not remove them as it uses a lot of the plant's energy to grow the robust root system.

and by the way...great flower you got there. congrats

[JDT]

Wade, thanks for the information. As I had potted this bulb in sphagnum this past spring and down here in South Florida you have to replace the sphagnum every year anyway I went ahead and separated them, just wanted to know what most thought about the roots, which I have left on the bulbs.

Ian, thanks also for your information. The roots had not been damaged. Every time I repot any of my orchids I always take away as much of the media as I can and always use fresh media.

I agree with you also on the great flower of this orchid, so much so that as our season of orchid shows is just now starting I will be looking for many more of this species. My picture is no where as good as your collection on flickr, very impressive!! With the collection of this species that you have as mine increases I know who I will be in contact with.

[catttan]

Lovely colour! I have only seen the yellow form.

[JDT]

Yew-Sung,
It surprised the heck out of me when it opened as I would never guess this was going to be the color until the buds first opened. I bought this from a company in Taiwan that had attended the Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Society Show in January of this year, I see they will be at the same show next month and I will be buying more from then I did last January.
Jack

[catttan]

Yew-Sung,
It surprised the heck out of me when it opened as I would never guess this was going to be the color until the buds first opened. I bought this from a company in Taiwan that had attended the Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Society Show in January of this year, I see they will be at the same show next month and I will be buying more from then I did last January.
Jack

I think it's the same nursery that won the 'Best Plant of the Show' with their Cygnodes Taiwan Gold (the yellow form) at the 20th World Orchid Conference in 2011 in Singapore. I visited their stall at the said coference but didn't buy any plant as I hadn't an import permit for the plants.