How to repot Catasetum- PET Method

[@SVKLOrchids]

Here is the latest and greatest PET video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6mrhHp_n82Yl5I

[@keepsmiling704]

I can't tell you many times I have watched this video. Thank You for posting this.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Excellent! Let me know if you ever have questions!

[@NinjaOrchids]

Love it when these guys start to wake up. My Black Pearl is in bloom for the first time... a commercial one compared to your beauties, but, for me... this is an achievement. Jack of Diamonds is in spike again, and this time it looks to be a male spike, compared to the female spike I got late '20, this spike is much thinner. Great video 👍🏼

[@SVKLOrchids]

Sounds like you’ve got the knack of Catasetum growing down! Female flowers only happen on the most robust, happiest plants!

[@MyGreenPets]

Nice PET update! And how nice to be outside in a t-shirt in early February!

[@SVKLOrchids]

No kidding! It was 84 earlier this week. Might snow next week😱😱

[@MyGreenPets]

@@SVKLOrchids -1°F here Friday!

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@MyGreenPets I say -1 F*#k that!! 😂

[@menasha007]

Thanks very much for your clear instructions! 😊

[@SVKLOrchids]

Glad to do it!

[@newmanmansell760]

That was great😊🙏💖I'm learning a lot about Catasetums thanks very much🙏I guess they'd love this weather in Japan; hot 95℃ sunny and very humid summers.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Yes, that sounds like perfect conditions!

[@miche7032]

Perfect timing👍👍... please keep us updated. Thank you for sharing.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Will do!!

[@olskooldj1]

Love the update, had good success adapting your methods. Please add me to your buyer's list when u have plants to sell.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Shoot me your email address on Facebook or Instagram. I’ve got some back bulbs I’m selling now. I want to fatten them up a bit before I send them out, but they should be ready soon.

[@marilynndavis2513]

Thank you for your instructional video. I wrote you last month about my Monnierara Magic Witchcraft. The green nubbin I ask about is in fact a new growth rather than a spike. The roots are almost an half inch long. I just secured my plant with some floral wire at your recommendation. I hope I didn’t kill any roots in the process! 😕 Thanks again for sharing your expertise.

[@SVKLOrchids]

I bet the roots will be ok! They grow a lot this time of year, so even a few broken ones are ok!

[@debbiezografos3622]

My third time to watch this video. :) Got my EpiWeb in yesterday. I hope to get them potted up within a day or so. Feeling the heat. Best part of the summer heat is catasetum (s).

[@SVKLOrchids]

Agreed!! Did you get on Stephen Moffitt’s list?

[@debbiezografos3622]

@@SVKLOrchids I did and I got off it. thanks for the link for the hangers.

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@debbiezografos3622 no problem!

[@michaelpye5972]

Great vid Stephen. I tried half a dozen in the PET system this year. All looking good.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Excellent! I bet this next growth will be even bigger!

[@NicoleDeanna]

Great update as always!

[@SVKLOrchids]

Thank you!! Much appreciated!

[@miche7032]

Sir, I only know you through KZbin, but I know that you live in Texas. In the light of what’s happening there, I pray & hope that you and your family are safe.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Thank you much! We’re officially warming up again and the house took very little damage, which is amazing considering how many people in the area had such a horrific time. No real orchid losses either.

[@miche7032]

@@SVKLOrchids oh, that’s great! 😊 Stay safe.

[@charlesmckemie7274]

Very informative. Thank you. One of mine is waking up now also.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Nice! I love this time of year as the plants start waking up.

[@vickifisher4061]

I use pea gravel on the bottom. I also mix charcoal and packing peanuts in my mulch, for just a bit of aeration. Mine did really well last season using this combo. I think the biggest problem most people have with catasetums is they water too soon. The FB orchid groups I belong to, I constantly see comments asking what is wrong with their catasetum and 90% of the time, it's because they watered too soon. I'm always commenting "Do Not Water", when people ask if they should start watering when roots appear and are just tiny nubs.

[@SVKLOrchids]

I agree!! It’s definitely tricky to get people not to water the plant as the new growth is coming in!

[@dinidw3589]

Thanks so much, Stephen. Now I know the difference on watering ctsm between 4 season country and tropical country. My challenge here are fungus and ants specially during rainy season like now.

[@SVKLOrchids]

I bet those can be a problem! I got this technique from the Brazilians, so it should work where you live too! Might need some modifications due to the rain.

[@jacolynsorchids1361948friends]

Thank you Got first catasetum found your channel and yours look awsome, in BC interior so will watch few channels than decide what to do

[@MattbyNature]

Nice to see an update on the other video. Could you please reiterate how long the roots should be when you start watering?

[@SVKLOrchids]

For sure! In fact I’ll film my next episode in a few minutes and it’ll be about when to water. Basically, the roots on your plant should be minimum 4 inches long, but waiting until they’re longer is better if there’s enough energy still in the back bulbs.

[@MattbyNature]

@@SVKLOrchids thank you so much! I’ll have to wait for a bit then. Fingers crossed it’ll work out!

[@almacardinale630]

Super!! Thank you🥰

[@SVKLOrchids]

You’re welcome!

[@loho1125]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! Could one also use Charcoal at the bottom? I think I know how I can use PET in my cool climate now: If I see the slightest yellowing on the leaves, I empty out the reservoir and put the plant on the heating unit. That should dry it out in a week. Another method I am keen to try is SGK which I saw in german forums. It works by layering first charcoal, then live moss, then course bark chips, medium bark chips and at the top 2cm of the finest bark (0-8mm) in a clear container that does not have holes on the side. The glass is then filled up to the moss layer with pure water and put in a warm place so part of this Water turns into vapor and fills the glass with even humidity. The very fine bark stops the vapor from escaping. They seem to have great succes also with Catasetinae. For those, they empty out the reservoir and remove the top layer so the steam can escape.

[@SVKLOrchids]

I’m not a fan of bark since it absorbs salts and can suddenly become toxic over time. Also, I don’t know how well an organic material would fare in a water well. I suspect it might break down pretty quickly? Not sure, but I’d love to learn more! I haven’t heard of the SGK method. It sounds similar to PET, but no water leaves the container? If you empty the water, does that require you to pick up the whole pot, tilt it, and hold the media in the container?

[@loho1125]

@@SVKLOrchids Yes, you're right with the bark. But since the Glass is a closed system, you do not add much fertilizer to prevent algae growth and root damage. Someone said you should fertilise twice per season with 300yS for heavy feeders, so the roots get a constant feed of that strenght and also use foliar feeding to get the fattest possible bulbs. I don't know why, but the barks seems to stay surprisingly fresh for a few years since it does not sit in the well. People using the SGK method claim it has to do with the moss producing fungicides and antibiotics. Others claim it works because of the pH being lowered by the moss. The tipping out is something I did not quite understand either. You are supposed to wet the top layer with a spray bottle so it sticks to itself and then slowly tip the Glass sideways until the water comes out. Some let the top layer be and some pour it of. But I don't understand how the moss survives the winter. Must be tough moss. But I can already see that that would be quite some work in a big collection. I think I will just try it with a back bulb and see how it goes this year. When I can see results, I will make sure to update you and everyone interested! I do not feel comfortable to advertise something I have not tried myself, so take everything I said with a grain of salt, I am just very interested and trying to research more😅

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@loho1125 Sounds interesting! I’m curious to hear what you find!

[@palizabczczy4018]

​@@loho1125 Was SDK method a succesfull one for you?

[@drvnguy]

Fantastic Video just as i was thinking of what Pet stands for. lol. gotta get me some Cashew containers .

[@SVKLOrchids]

Ha! Cashews are great!

[@juanigallego6161]

Muchísimas gracias por todo y su atención Saludos cordiales

[@mollyforadada873]

Wonderful video, like always, 👍🏻 but how I can get one of your plant to buy, let me know please. I want to have my plants very strong and healthy like yours, great day Stephen😄

[@SVKLOrchids]

Hi Molly, check in with me on Facebook or Instagram!

[@latalaxmanjohnson3897]

Great video again. Tried your PET method (3 layer one you just took out) last year and had pretty good results. How long had you been growing catasetums in cypress mulch ?? One of our members used cypress mulch as top dressing and they formed like a mucussy mulch layer. So I was wondering. Also, how often do you repot catasetums.

[@SVKLOrchids]

I've got one full season under my belt with the cypress mulch. I'd love to see photos of the yucky mulch! I haven't had such issues in my conditions. However, I bet if you added perlite to the mix, it would not happen. I also wonder about the mulch itself and the growing conditions. I repot my Catasetums when they outgrow the pot, which seems to be about every other year. Sometimes every year if they grow fast enough.

[@latalaxmanjohnson3897]

@@SVKLOrchids Thank you. I will take a picture of the yucky mulch when I go there again and send it to you.

[@zvikasadeh8923]

Love the video. I am concerned that the water well at the bottom of the pot will hold too much salts/fertilizers. Should I be worried?

[@SVKLOrchids]

Not a problem if you flush with each watering! Just add enough water to fill the pot and let it drain.

[@hillbillyorchids]

Thanks for the update! My After dark hasn't lost its leaves at all yet! Its got 7 back bulbs, 2 yellowing so I know they are going to go but my bulbs got shriveled looking I watered and it had no effect. Should I water more? Thanks again!

[@SVKLOrchids]

You can water a bit again! Just keep it dry when the new growth starts!

[@hillbillyorchids]

@@SVKLOrchids Will do thanks a bunch!😁

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@hillbillyorchids you’re welcome!

[@junefiorito3691]

My plant has problems in growing roots, however, the leaves and plant grows quite well (of course with no flowers so far in 3 years)!!!

[@SVKLOrchids]

Do you wait to water in the spring until the new roots are 4” long?

[@jasonl8840]

Hey Stephen, wondering if you have a recommended slow release fert formulation? Just moved 4 of my plants to this setup today, looking to be ready when I can start watering. Thanks!

[@SVKLOrchids]

Yes, I use Purely Organic (purelyorganicfertilizer.com/) for the first half of the growing season and then nutricote for the second half. I also use KelpMax once a month during the growing season.

[@marylawton7643]

Hi Stephen I wrote a comment last year saying I thought my Fredclarkia had some new shoots and you replied saying the shoots I had probably were flower spikes you were so right and my plant is still flowering it’s beautiful can I still repot or should I wait until the blooms have all faded and fallen off the plant

[@SVKLOrchids]

That’s great! I wish I could smell them! lol

[@marylawton7643]

When do I repot do I wait for the blooms to die off

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@marylawton7643 The most important thing is to repot when the new roots start poking out of the new growth. If you can wait until the blooms are gone, that's good. Or maybe you'll have to repot with the blooms on. Depends on the current situation.

[@marylawton7643]

@@SVKLOrchids thank you I will wait as the blooms are amazing

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@marylawton7643 sounds like a good plan!

[@tikigeorgejones3817]

I follow you here and on instagram. You're always have something interesting and informative to show or say. I'd like to ask how long it takes for old back bulbs to "wake up". I've got one that I got 7 months ago that shows no signs of waking up. It's not shriveled though.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Thanks! It should wake up when it thinks it’s spring. Is it in an area that gets natural day length?

[@tikigeorgejones3817]

Yes it is.

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@tikigeorgejones3817 Good! I bet it wakes up soon.

[@PC-zg3eo]

Very helpful video? Where do you sell your divisions?

[@SVKLOrchids]

There’s a few orchid sales pages on Facebook that I use

[@tropicalplantsfinland]

Hi there. What temperature and humidity these are in when they're not watered at all? I might take a leap to buy first ones this year. Great video.

[@SVKLOrchids]

They can regularly take cool temps into the low 50’s (~10 C) if bone dry and even cooler for short periods. They also don’t mind low humidity, but might desiccate a bit more quickly and will need some sips of water if the bulbs shrivel. Make sure temperatures are above 55 F (13 C) if the plants get water. Spider mites can be a problem in low humidity conditions, so watch out for them and treat quickly. They can take down a plant very quickly!

[@tropicalplantsfinland]

@@SVKLOrchids thank you!

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@tropicalplantsfinland You’re welcome!

[@almacardinale630]

I read that this variety, in the resting phase, should be in the dark, do you think this is correct?

[@SVKLOrchids]

Nooooo! That is definitely not correct! I hear that rumor is pretty common in Europe right now and there are a lot of dead Catasetums because of it. 😢

[@markvaldes2937]

Could I use red lava rock for the bottom? or does it have too many materials

[@SVKLOrchids]

Lava rock would work well!

[@annehardman4082]

Can you use packing peanuts for the inorganic layer?

[@SVKLOrchids]

I think you could. Just make sure it’s not the kind that dissolves in water! Lol

[@f.dangerfield3549]

My witchcraft is waking up 1/5/2024. Do you use "pure" cypress mulch? I can't find it in the garden centers in Central Florida. All are mixed with other products thx

[@SVKLOrchids]

I answered a similar question of FB today (was that you?) and yes, the cypress mix works well!

[@nitawal]

Please tell me something. It’s ok for the bottom roots to be sitting in the water the whole time? This is what happens right?

[@SVKLOrchids]

Yes, they love it!

[@nitawal]

@@SVKLOrchids thanks for answering me! I really wasn’t sure if that’s what happens.. take care Stephen and thanks for your great videos.

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@nitawal No problem!

[@_scarlett_delgado_6037]

Hi and thks for your videos they are really helpful.my husband I have some orchids and when we saw the catasetum we wanted some too.we order some on line but we almost kill all of them but 3.tha is why I like the info. On your videos. What part of Tx do u you live.we live in Orange Tx.

[@SVKLOrchids]

Hi Scarlett, I’m in Dripping Springs right now, but I’ll be moving to NW San Antonio / Boerne area later this year. Let me know if you ever have Catasetum questions!

[@_scarlett_delgado_6037]

@@SVKLOrchids when do u sell catesetums? Where?

[@_scarlett_delgado_6037]

Also why do some cattleya orchids put spike from the bottom and some from the top

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@_scarlett_delgado_6037 I usually sell in early spring on the Facebook orchid sales pages. I also send out a list to folks who are interested.

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@_scarlett_delgado_6037 I don’t know! Evolution has created some strange blooming strategies in a few Cattleya species!

[@Jennifer-ef4bo]

Hi Stephen, I just got two new Catasetums today and there is evidence of snails nibbling the new roots and the nursery have put slug pellets on the media. The new growths are quite big now compared to the ideal time to repot and the roots are getting to be a couple of inches long. Would it be okay to repot into fresh media or would it do more harm at this stage?

[@SVKLOrchids]

I think it would do more harm than good. I don’t find the snails actually do that much damage, so your plants should be ok!

[@Jennifer-ef4bo]

@@SVKLOrchids Thanks Stephen! Hopefully as the media is still dry the snails have remained at the nursery 👍🏻 Also, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, I’ve learnt so much watching your videos.

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@Jennifer-ef4bo Thanks, I’m glad to help! Also, I suspect you’re correct that a dry media should repell those jerk snails!

[@bi2stayharris23]

Yikes! Ants, snails, and probably aphids then.

[@carriewood8983]

You don't use sphagnum as the top layer any longer?

[@SVKLOrchids]

Not anymore!

[@MangoZen]

It would help if your camera shows what you’re doing

[@momepenni]

Ants like my Catasetums. Good or bad think????

[@takemyjobpleeez]

Many catasetum species, host ant colonies in the wild. The plants produce a sugary sap to attract the ants. It's a symbiotic relationship. It can be a nuisance for growers, especially in greenhouses.

[@YnseSchaap]

I'm not allowed to use fire anymore 😁

[@SVKLOrchids]

Ha! I have to assume there’s a good story there!

[@YnseSchaap]

@@SVKLOrchids Set my self on fire once when I wanted to show the audience the beautiful blue flames from alcohol but I used a bit to much and on top of that I tried to put it out with the rag I just used to clean everything......with alcohol 😁

[@SVKLOrchids]

@@YnseSchaap Ohhhh, nooo!! 🤣😂 Funny now but must have been terrifying at the time!

[@YnseSchaap]

@@SVKLOrchids 😎

[@gloriastanley5854]

Why so harsh with the plant it has feelings to i would have soaked it in water 1st

[@SVKLOrchids]

They're tough! They can handle it!