pseudobulbs with wrinkles

[Sawdust]

I have several orchids of the same type, I think they are Maxillary tenuifolia . One of them has the bulbs all wrinkled. I was told that this could not be rejuvenated. Is that true or is there some way to reverse things. I tried to post this earlier but think it got lost, so if this a double please for give me

[Roberta]

They're not likely to plump up, but you can improve the long-term health of the plant so that new growths look better. I suspect that it is very under-watered. (Maxillarias like water!) Also the long internodes between pseudobulbs makes me suspect that it also isn't getting enough light.

[Sawdust]

thanks Roberta I will change the water schedule and work on the lights,

[Roberta]

Remember, too, that the root system runs through those brown, dry bracts between pseudobulbs. So don't be tempted to "clean them up" ... it's very important to leave them alone, removing them can quickly kill the plant. So just increase the watering so that the medium stays damp, increase humidity if you can. If not, occasionally (maybe once a week) wet the whole plant (like with a sprayer or spray bottle) - the roots running between the pseudobulbs can absorb water too.

[camille1585]

With some good care the plant should recover. In the winter I let mine dry out between waterings, but the rest of the year these are difficult to overwater. You can leave them sitting in a saucer of water in the summer, and if you can, these do great outside during the growing season. They love heat and sun, and after progressively acclimating it mine sits in full sun most of the afternoon. You are not located as far north as I am, so perhaps some slight shading is necessary.

As a word of warning, once Max tenuifolia gets the proper care, they get really, really large.

[Sawdust]

thanks Camille, I have never brought plants outside, but I will give it a try this year. I have several of the Max Ten so will see how they go. Currently they are inside in a sort of green house thing I made. I will add more water.