Caul bicornutum x L rosea cracks

[Maru777]

Hello everyone,

I have this caularthon bicornutum x Laelia rosea that seemed to be doing just fine until recently when it developed literally cracks I have no idea why or what has caused it. This is only happening on this new growth the old one looks fine, a bit wrinkly, but it was like that since I got it. This is the first new growth it is growing since I got it and I have never grown a plant in this family - well the caularthon side of its family, I have some laelias, but they never cracked, they are fine. How did I mess up? I did not drop or hit it on anything and I don’t think it’s a bug that caused it. And what do I do about the cracks? I’m pretty worried because I live in soup (basically air that is hot and saturated with humidity) so fungal and bacterial infections heaven. I am afraid the open wounds will be a pathway to these. I was thinking of putting some of that liquid bandage you can use for kids maybe.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

If the crack has fresh tissue exposed put some powdered cinnamon on it. Otherwise, I have no 8dea. Just watch to see what happens next.

[estación seca]

The plant took up too much water. This may be one you should grow under cover and water by hand.

[Maru777]

Thank you! I put some cinnamon on the cracks and moved it a bit. It was right next to the mosquito screen and it has been raining a lot so it’s been getting drenched quite often, so I think the explanation of too much water definitely makes sense. A bit strange though that the other one just like this one that I have in sh (the problem one is in orchiata) seems to be fine. Maybe because that one is used to all the water and this one just got flooded recently. Fingers crossed that it will be ok. I ‘m really curious what the flowers look like. I’ve only had them for less than a year so I never saw them bloom.

[nemesis]

I am so thankful for this thread as my oldest phal developed a cracked leaf. I had no idea what I did. It seemed to be happier when I ignored it. I guess I have been loving it too much, lately. lol. I moved all my phals to a brighter spot where I thought they would delight in the sun and more attention. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think I need more orchids to love hahaha.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by nemesis

Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think I need more orchids to love hahaha.

You are absolutely correct! We're all enablers here!

Obsession

[nemesis]

Ok! It is a plan! Since you are more experienced than I , I will yield myself to your greater expertise. More orchids for me!!!!!

[Maru777]

The good news for this plant is that is seems the cracks have not really affected it much. They look bad but they don’t seem to have deteriorated and the plant is currently growing a flower spike from this bulb. A very long spike from the looks of it - it’s about 40-50 cm. Does anyone know how long it’s going to get before I see a flower? This is giving me flashbacks to the enc. ruffly profuse that grew a spike for half a year and close to 2 m I hope it’s not a repeat of that.

[Roberta]

It will let you know soon enough when it's finally thinking of blooming... Patience, patience..

[Maru777]

I was born 2 months early and my mom claims that it was a hint about my patience The spike looks quite nice though I think I should stake it but I suck at staking spikes and they usually end up wherever they please. I’m also unsure where even I would place the support for this spike since it’s getting a bit out of control. I am currently leaving it to lean on the mosquito net. Let’s see. I will report back when I see a flower - hopefully some time this year