Encyclia tampenis in very bad shape

[Leo H.]

Hi everybody,

I purchased an Encyclia tampensis in March and when I unpotted it from its nursery pot, I had to discover that it was completely rootless. Everything rotted away. This seemed strange to me since the plant had been standing in the exact same place with the same automatic irrigation for several years judging by its size. But now, every single root in the very rootbound pot decided to rot at the same time. Like I said, it loocked strange to me even then. So, I did what I could and potted it up in some bark. From that point on, the plant started to shrivel and it hasn't stopped yet. I am surprised by how much it can shrivel, to be honest. It put out new growths, bjt no roots at all. My fear is that it will not produce new roots until the growths are done which the plant will not be able to survive. Additionally, I noticed some brown rot on.the plant today and had to cut it into two pieces, each only one very shriveled Pseudobulb and two new growths. Also, it seems to have Fusarium which would explain the sudden root rot. Anyway, its rhizome is clean now. But I am not sure whether I will be able to save it or if it is worth the effort. Concerning the Fusarium: I have means to keep it in check and isolated. I am very careful after loosing part of my collection and am sure not to havw spread it.

Greetings,
Leo