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Thunia bensoniae dormancy

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Raven, Jan 22, 2019.

  1. Jan 22, 2019 #1
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    I have a plant of Thunia bensoniae that didn't go dormant this winter. I stopped watering in November but the plant kept producing leaves and stayed completely green so I resumed watering in January, but it is dry for about a week between waterings.
    the problem is that it looks like the plant have finally realized that it is time to go dormant and the leaves are turning yellow. What do I do? Stop watering and then resume in late spring?
    Thank you!
     
  2. Jan 22, 2019 #2
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Stop watering until you see new growth.
     
  3. Jan 23, 2019 #3
    RustyExotics

    RustyExotics Nicholas - It's a terrestrial thing

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    I have a beautiful tuber of Habenaria arenaria that's doing the opposite: It's January and it has already begun to sprout. ugh.... :(

    I agree with Marni. I have Thunia alba that can be a little stubborn. As soon as it gets a little cooler, I completely stop watering and it goes into dormancy in the following few weeks.
     
  4. Jan 23, 2019 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    My habenarias do what ever they want, whenever they want. Right now I have some just coming up, some just dying down, some in bud and some just finishing blooming. If I think of it next fall, I may try moving some into a cooler location to see if that will get them on a cycle closer to what I think they should be.
     
  5. Jan 23, 2019 #5
    RustyExotics

    RustyExotics Nicholas - It's a terrestrial thing

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    Mine are usually well behaved to an extent (talking to you, mystery Habenaria "medusa"), but I guess they're deciding to change that delightful reliability up this year. Tried a new method of storing them (slight damp storage in plastic bags depending on the species), and I think the moisture may be causing some of them to wake up... I'm going to try the same as you next year. haha.
     
  6. Jan 24, 2019 #6
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    Thank you everybody. I'll stop watering now then.
     
  7. Jul 28, 2019 #7
    prachtorchideen.wordpress

    prachtorchideen.wordpress Member

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    Marni likes this.
  8. Oct 6, 2019 #8
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    Yes, it did! Grew very well this summer, almost three feet tall but no blooms. Might move it to a brighter location next spring.