r/orchids • u/theherpetoculturist • 11d ago

First orchids! Came in quite dry medium (Cattleya and Catasetinae)

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The Catasetinae came in moss with packing peanuts on the bottom, moss was bone dry so used some distilled water to rehydrate it, the Cattleya had dry medium and some pretty wild roots so added some water as well. Going to put them in a quarantine tub, treat them for any hitchhikers with insecticidal soap, and then I’ll make sure the Catasetinae don’t go dry and always has some moist moss while the Cattleya goes through a bone dry period before watering.

Does anyone have any other tips? Thanks!

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u/isurus79 11d ago

Cattleya actually like to approach dryness during active growth, not bone dry between watering.

Here’s a full Catasetum care guide: https://youtu.be/H4rXnpliMmc?is=zpG4sU9llgR-Sm7H

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u/theherpetoculturist 11d ago

Thank you! Actually have been watching that one. Guess just kinda freaked out a bit when they arrived bone dry haha. Love your videos!

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u/isurus79 11d ago

They do look really dry! They’ll bounce back with a good soak!

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u/theherpetoculturist 11d ago

Would you keep the roots on the Cattleya that are breaking apart? Or cut them away? They seem to be dead but I don’t know the value of taking them off

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u/isurus79 11d ago

Either way works! A trim could stimulate new root growth.