"To De-Mold" or "Not to De-Mold"

[Windy]

I bought this cattleya not long ago and have had nothing but problems with it. It came with this black (a "bagged" orchid). I plan to replant it tomorrow, but before I do, I need to know if the black on it is mold. If it is, any advice for removing it?

I know to use sterilized items when cutting, but do I douse the cut area with cinnamon? What else can I do if this is mold?

I'm at total novice at orchids and any help will be appreciated. Thanls...

[Zoi2]

It doesn't look like mold to me, just the black outter covering of the lead. After you clip the dead roots, you might douse the plant with hydrogen peroxide.
What kinds of problems have you had with this catt?
Joann

[Windy]

Thanks for saying it's not mold. I was very concerned (hopefully, other will agree).

The problems are: It dries very quickly...more so than my others. Plus, it won't stay upright; keeps tipping over in the pot.

As you can see, I've tried other mediums, but they're not working. I plan to soak bark overnight, then repot it strictly in the bark thinking it might give it a better footing.

I hope to order some clear pots to I can better see how well the roots are doing. I have 6 orchids and want to replant all of them this way.

[Ross]

Let me just add that you might try staking the plant with a couple or three thin wire or bamboo stakes and yarn or string ties. Keep this on until the plant is firmly rooted in the new mix. If you have some, mix up some KLN or Superthrive and pour it through the repotted setup. This will help a small bit in encouraging new roots. The drying shouldn't alarm you too much. Cats have good storage for nutrients and water. First thing is to get it to grow new roots to get moisture into the plant. Unfortunately, Cats only grow new roots from new growths, not back bulbs. The white dry roots may grow new green-tipped rots, however.

[Zoi2]

I agree with Ross, until the roots have "latched" to the potting medium, you will need to stake it for stability.
Joann

[orchidsamore]

The black while not mold can develop much worst into pythion fungus.

I do not think you have any problems on this plant. If the green leaf develops any black then it is fungus and a big problem.

The parts that are black are not part of the pseudobulb or the leaf. It is a paper thin sheath that the plant grows to protect the pbulb and leaf as they grow.

When it is very hot and rainy it can become infected. Normally the area will dry out and the sheat will become hard again. This is most likely with the photos you posted.

The sheat on the pseudobulb and sheaths on flowers can hold a lot of moisture. Normally they dry out between waterings but outside in my Florida rain it can get worst.

I often peal the sheat away from the pseudobulb of flower buds. They are going to become brittle and fall off soon anyway. The plant no longer needs them.

[Windy]

I previously wrote a reply, but somehow, got knocked off the forum. Basically, I said "many thanks". I'm learning a lot here and your info is so appreciated.

[Doc G]

You might want to try rhizome clips to hold it in place when you repot.

[Windy]

Again, I'm so new at this...what is a rhizome clip?

[Ross]

A wire contraption that clips to the edge of pots and holds down the rhizome. I get mine from Hangers, Holders & Rhizome Clips