Outdoor Crimson Cattleya Attaching to New Host

[miss.gypsea]

Hello All,

Orchid newbie here and I'm a bit embarrassed to share this picture, but I'd rather have it survive than not ask!

I believe this is a mature Crimson Cattleya and it was mounted on this tree about 4 months ago. Since then here in Tulum MX we've gone through extreme drought and now the rains are here in full force. As you can see, a lot of the roots are dead, but some are not and they are trying hard to attach, but sadly I see one root that has attached is starting to turn brown in the middle, and I think that's from laying amongst dead wet roots?

My questions are these:
-Should I cut away a lot that dead stuff? I'm worried with the onslaught of rain that the healthy roots will rot surrounded by the dead roots due to being packed around by wet dead roots and not able to "breathe"?

It's a wonder its still alive with my lack of knowledge and the lack of water it got during the drought. I have since learned how much water an orchid like this really needs, especially one of this size trying to attach to a new host.

Attached is a close up pic and one from farther away.

Thanks for your insight!

[DirtyCoconuts]

is this correct? that is wrapped onto the tree with some twine and there is coconut coir on the outside of the roots ( away from the tree)

if that is what you have set up,. that is a great mount setup and the plant is likely just reacting to the drastic changes from drought to wet.

Catts like to dry out a bit between watering but when mounted there is very little chance of overwatering

that plant looks to be in good health and i would just make sure it does not get too dry in the future so it will not be so shocked when water comes back


you can cut away dead roots that are mushy but they will not really be an issue on the mount...i have several large mounted catts that grab onto them selves, dead roots, the mount, anything they want lol

[miss.gypsea]

That is correct, coconut material cocoon and tied to a tree.

I will definitely take your advice and not let it dry out much in the future. I can see how much it enjoys water with healthy roots sprouting in many places.

That is good to know that even in extreme humidity and rain that it's unlikely to accumulate too much water and rot inside that mess of roots!

I will just keep an eye on it and enjoy watching the healthy roots grow

Thank you!