Cattleya seedling problems

[Jeff214]

I'm having issues with a Cattleya warscewiczii seedling. I've had this for about a year, steadily growing. Three new leads started in Nov, but they've all died back these past two weeks. the tips would turn yellow, then black.

I'm seeing three new leads start again this week, but I'm not sure what the issue was before. I did reduce watering a bit since it was getting cold in my apartment but the older p-bulbs look fine and plump. During the summer months, I've had this sitting in water and it seemed fine. During the winter months I've let the roots dry out before watering again. Not sure if the watering needs adjustment... wonder if any one has experience with growing Cattleya seedlings. Thanks!

[DirtyCoconuts]

I do not know that plant.

For catts in general I would have it in a clay pot with very open media, likely inch lava rock, #4 perlite and charcoal and I’d water it every day or other.

I typically see Catt that color as needing more light but that purple is often a sign of too much light. It’s a bit curious.

Do you know have wide swings in your place with temp and humidity throughout the day?

[AnonYMouse]

Cal-Mg?

[Jeff214]

Thanks, Anon Y Mouse. Ca deficiency seems to match the symptoms of the cattleya seedling, and a Blc. Greenwich. I thought it was black rot all this time...

Dyna gro foliage pro or osmocote plus that I use for fruit trees should help with the Ca/Mg deficiency.

[Ray]

What water are you using?

[My Green Pets]

I'd wonder if the light situation is adequate. The leaves look very dark.

I have been growing Cattleya rex seedlings for the past 6 years and they take full sun all day in the winter.

Also, these species Cattleyas do not like big seasonal changes in temperature. If you can make sure the plant gets temps in the high 70's during the day, it will likely do much better. Mine would suffer black spots throughout the winter if the daytime temps stayed in the low 70's for several days in a row.

[Jeff214]

Originally Posted by Ray

What water are you using?

I've been using tap water. After I try the other fertilizers, I may try DI water.

Light wise, it was sitting outside till October in full sun. Since mid-october, it's been under a 45W grow light from aerogrow alongside other Cattleyas, Laelias, and tomatoes. I was looking at photos from earlier this year and the leaves do look much lighter...