pseduo bulbs shrinking/withering - advice

[SamandAnne]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Yeah I looooove skewers!
It is extremely helpful to me - I have them in all my plants - even the mounted ones!

Yeah, I think I need a little extra help than just the weight of the pot...though that's helpful too. Once I moved my phal to a clear pot I felt so much more confident in when to water and when not to! Since the cattleya is in a clay pot (recommended to me so it has more air to the roots) I'm still iffy on when to water...I'll try the skewers!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by SamandAnne

Yeah, I think I need a little extra help than just the weight of the pot...though that's helpful too. Once I moved my phal to a clear pot I felt so much more confident in when to water and when not to! Since the cattleya is in a clay pot (recommended to me so it has more air to the roots) I'm still iffy on when to water...I'll try the skewers!

Yeah I too have been growing catts in clay pots and of course have the same issue - tho even in clear plastic pots i like the skewers because I think the temp and relative humidity can affect if you see moisture in pot or not - cos I know I have looked and it looked dry - but skewer was still damp. Maybe depends on climate where you live - idk

Anyway - good luck with your plant! I'm sure with help from all the people on OB you will do just fine

[SamandAnne]

I just took my cattleya out of the pot to check the roots. They all seem dry/brittle. The plant is putting out a new stem, though. Here are the pictures, before and now.

Seeing that the roots were dry, I put TakeRoot rooting hormone on them before I put my orchid back in the pot. Then, I logged on and saw this thread, which says it's too strong for orchids: Root growth hormone

Any advice on caring for this orchid now? Seems like I need to water more frequently. Anything to help it recover? Move to a shadier location, anything?

Thank you! I really want to keep this one going, it was bought together after a fun day at an orchid show!