Catts and shriveled pseudobulbs - Orchid Board

Carl · #1 03-14-2009, 09:25 PM

Hello,
I am new to Catts and have a question--may be stupid, but thought someone could help! I notice that some of of the pseudobulbs on my catts are shriveling a little. Could this mean that they need some more water? I also have some where the newest pseudobulp is plump, but the older--next oldest is beginning to shrivel--any clues? Also--I have seen a lot of questions about fertilizers. Can anyone tell me a brand name of one that is the right balance--I need something simple as too much math and science, after work and kids, makes my head hurt!! Thanks!
Carl

Zoi2 · #2 03-14-2009, 09:33 PM

Hi Carl, welcome to the OB! It sounds like maybe your catt needs water, can you post a picture? Have you checked the roots?
I like MSU fertilizer, but there will be more folks chiming in for more options.
Joann

Carl · #3 03-14-2009, 10:30 PM

Hello!
The roots are white and plump--no problem with disease or any other issue. Just the fact that some are a little shriveled while the newest is plump.

Carl

Carl · #4 03-14-2009, 10:38 PM

Joann,
Where do you get the MSU fertilizer? Thanks!

Carl

caseydoll · #5 03-14-2009, 10:44 PM

Hi Carl and welcome!

I use the MSU fertilizer as well and love it. You can find it here.

Category Listing - Chemicals

There is a liquid or powder form and you can get it for pure water (like for distilled or RO water) or for well water if you use water from the tap. Hope that helps!

kiki-do · #6 03-14-2009, 11:22 PM

I love the MSU also, 1 oz per gallon of water...easy breezy. I got mine at rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Fertilizer. Also I think that the older pseudobulbs will shrivel. That is the natural order of things.

Singingirl96 · #7 03-17-2009, 05:21 PM

Mine was doing this too, so I started water it more often. Sometimes if you just run it under the sink, the bark doesn't have the chance to soak in the moisture, so I've been putting a container underneath when I water the pot and then I let it sit in water for about 10 minutes or so. You can hear the water being absorbed by the bark.
The wrinkling will probably never go away, but it wil certainly get better.

D&S Mabel · #8 03-17-2009, 06:31 PM

The old bulbs, or "back bulbs" give nourishment to the rest of the plant. Over time, as the plant feeds off of them, they will shrivel and eventually turn brown and die off.

It's one of the things I like about orchids. They have beautiful blooms from what can be not so pretty plants!