Cattleyas in desparate need of help!! - Orchid Board

PhalaeFunkadelica · #1 01-16-2009, 02:02 PM

Hi,
I haven't written before, mainly because I couldn't figure out how to post a new thread (sad, I know), but I have some seemingly simple questions that I cannot seem to find the answers for onine:
I have two cattleyas in a terrarium. The humidity/temp is monitered, and is usually in the range of 60-80%, 60-70F. They are in plastic and ceramic pots, and I mist them often, usually once a day.
The problem I am experiencing is that, despite misting and watering, the roots still rot, with only a few good ones on each plant. I did have the plants in a northern windowsill, but they weren't getting enough light so I stuck them in the humid frog terrarium with full spectrum lighting. At first they seemed to adjust well, but now after about 2 months the new top growth seems to be turning brownish black...?
What's going on?? Am I doing something wrong? I have them in coco fiber, frankly because I live in a small town without proper orchid/plant suppliers. Is coco fiber okay?
Also, do I still need to fertilize them in the winter? I live in KS, and the days have been very cold the last few months making it difficult to maintain a warm environment.
Any input will help!
Thanks!

WhiteRabbit · #2 01-16-2009, 05:58 PM

I'm far from being an expert, but I would think the plants are getting too much moisture! Catts like to dry out inbetween watering and need a lot of light. Mine are potted in fir bark and are sitting in a south facing window, and get water only every 10 -14 days right now, even in the dry hot days of summer I only water once a week unless temps are near 100. I think the plants would do better if they were given a chance to dry out.

I'm sure some of the resident "catt experts" will chime in soon with more advice

Lagoon · #3 01-16-2009, 06:40 PM

Hi PhalaeFunkadelica ! Like you're name! Welcome to the forum

Oook so their not happy - It's true catts do like to dryout between waterings, some more then others. They also like very strong lighting or they tend not to thrive and grow.

Coir is okay, but with catts it maybe to compact and wet, you will need to open up the media with perlite, bark or cork if you have it. You can even use all four together - should make a nice media.

I would remove you catts, sounds like their rotting.
Post a photo up if you can

Ray · #4 01-17-2009, 11:51 AM

Catts don't necessarily have to completely dry between waterings, but their roots systems really need to breathe. In your environment and growing habits, I would think they'd do great mounted.

Additionally, how's the air movement and exchange in the terrarium?

cb977 · #5 01-17-2009, 12:39 PM

The others seem to have your growing question under control...thought I'd help with the other stuff

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...u-started.html

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chidboard.html

If you have any questions, let me know

PhalaeFunkadelica · #6 01-19-2009, 01:51 AM

Thank you all for your ideas/info!!

I don't have photos of the plants as of now, the camera's been pretty dead and I have no spare batteries at the moment

Today I took them out of the viv and mounted them up on the wall onto a plastic shower thing (had to find it at Wal-Mart). It looks okay, kinda cute, but I have a ton of grapewood that I'd love to use, but mold is always a risk for me...

Still have to buy a bit of moss from the pet shop when it opens on Tuesday, so right now the roots are very much able to breathe.

That will be okay, right? I think so.. at least I read it would be.

So, I will go from here. Thanks again for your time, guys!
--Mariah

lobsterman · #7 01-19-2009, 08:27 AM

Mariah,

Welcome.
Just a bit of cheap advice.....
If you can't get orchid supplies readily where you are at, but need cork to "float" your mix,
DRINK WINE!!!!!!

PhalaeFunkadelica · #8 01-22-2009, 09:39 PM

OOooh! I like the way you think Lobster! Hehe..

Well, the Pet Shop was closed on Tuesday, so I haven't been able to get my moss yet, but I was wondering..
If I have a problem with mold, do I even need to mount with the moss? Will the orchid like it better if the roots are even more exposed?