Ok above, bad below, my Catts!

[Jeffery]

My Cattleya's that I was bragging about earlier doing so well have taken a turn for the worst, they started to drop some leafs, so I pulled 1 out and it had no roots, so I started pulling more and what roots there were, was not looking good, I can't tell if they dried out or had root rot, I am watering them good twice a week and they have good drainage, I realize it has gotten much drier and hotter here in SoCal, but I am sure they are getting enough water, can over feeding cause something like that?

[Eyebabe]

I have lots of catts and lots of bad roots and dropping leaves is something that I generally do not see in those with root issues. Usually the pseudobulbs just shrivel.
I would treat the plant's root system with some Physan 20 or diluted bleach. I would also cut into one of the rhysomes with a sterile blade and check for fusarium wilt.
You would see the outside of the rhysome with a burgundy red ring around it...this is disaster/trash time and fortunately not real common. But due to the leaves dropping I would definitely check for this.
I would clean up the root system and repot in media soaked in a root booster like DLK.
Keep the plant on the dry side and mist every few days instead of watering to promote root growth. I'd give it a good watering soak maybe every 10 days.
I have two catts right now that I found with pitiful roots that got such treatment and in addition to some nice roots coming up, one just popped an eye

[trdyl]

How large a pot was it in and what type of medium where you using?

[Jeffery]

Originally Posted by trdyl

How large a pot was it in and what type of medium where you using?

There in 2 inch pots and I am using fir chips only, they were doing great, lots of new growth, little white roots coming out, these are small plants.

[trdyl]

It doesn't sound like you were watering too much with only twice a week.

[Jeffery]

Originally Posted by trdyl

It doesn't sound like you were watering too much with only twice a week.

I think eyebabe might be right on, I am looking for some pics I took about a month ago when they were doing so well, there in here somewhere :/

[Jeffery]

My Catts before!!

[Jeffery]

Catts now, even that nice new root growth is gone sniff!!

[trdyl]

One thing that I need to say is when potting Cattleyas never bury the rhyzome. You can alway use wire clips to hold then in place if the roots are not enough.

[Ingrid76]

Jeffery,

Try reducing your watering schedule. You’re using plastic pots and they tend to hold more moisture. I also agree with Eyebabe, treating the root system and repotting has worked for me in the past. Good luck!