Saving a dying Catt. percivaliana

[gdupont]

I got a Cattleya percivaliana a few years ago and it was in okay shape when I got it, not great, but then the roots started to rot on me. By last fall the plant looked to be in touch shape. I repotted it in the spring when it started putting out a few new roots, but at that point all the other roots were dead and the bulbs were badly shriveled and it had lost some leaves.

I repotted it in sphagnum hoping to encourage some root growth.

Since the I have since no improvement. Now, the new roots died, too. So, no live roots

Is this something I can save? I'm optimistic because the leaves are green and the plant seems fairly stable (not losing leaves, leaves not shriveling up more).

Can I put it in a big ziplock bag to encourage root growth or anything?

[estación seca]

Those roots are still alive. Orchid roots start out bright white with green tips, then age to tan. This is why I tell people not to cut off roots.

Catts generally make roots only from new growths. In cultivation this species can continue growing all year if it gets enough warmth, humidity, light and water.

Those roots are still functioning. If you repot the plant carefully, keep it very warm and humid, with good light, and water regularly, there is a good chance one of the dormant eyes somewhere on the rhizome will begin to grow. Those growths will make new roots that will save the plant. Be sure to use a stake or rhizome clip to anchor the plant very firmly in the pot so it doesn't wobble.

Treating with Kelpak would probably help, as well.

[Roberta]

I suspect that it was staying too wet in the sphagnum. I'd pot it up in medium bark, making sure that you anchor it firmly in place with a rhizome clip, or a rod through the plastic pot, or several stakes. It's critical that when the new roots start to grow, that there be no wobbling. While the back growths look pretty pathetic, I'd leave them in place - they still can provide reserves for the plant. Once it is growing well you can repot in another year or two and remove them. But for now, it needs all the resources it can get while it is waiting for new roots.

[gdupont]

Thanks all. The new roots are pretty soft and they don't feel like they have much to them, which is why I think they are dead. I will repot it. Thanks!

I have trouble with high humidity, and they are in my apartment which runs on the cooler side (low 70s). Any tips for increasing heat and humidity for this one?

[Roberta]

Even a less-than-great root can hydrate the plant. Those roots will also help hold the plant steady. (Not wobbling is sooooo important)

---------- Post added at 12:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:44 PM ----------

C percivaliana is one of the most cold-tolerant Catt species - I grow mine outside, winter night temps close to freezing. You won't be abusing yours THAT much. But don't worry about either heat or humidity. Just pot firmly, in a fast-draining medium. Kelpak may help jump-start the roots, but it's also a seasonal thing. So just patience!

[Louis_W]

I agree with the above! Stability is key as previously mentioned.

[Clawhammer]

When I buy a bare root orchid or have a division with very few roots, I keep it unpotted, and hang it in my mounted area or vanda area where it will get high humidity and daily water. Once I see new root nubs from a new growth I pot it up. I have had much more success with this method when receiving bare root cattleya (mostly from Ecuagenera) than potting up a plant with little or no roots.