Should I return this Blc Hawaiian Passion Carmela?

[glitchathon]

So I got this beautiful orchid:


Over the past week, the flowers fell off which I guess is normal. However, the leaves are shriveling too. Also, I have yet to find a nice green healthy root. This is my first Cattleya so I do not know what their roots are like.

I opened it up today and found all the roots are brown. Here are some photos:






Is this plant unhealthy? I am not sure what to do about this and whether I should just keep at it and see if it recovers?

[RosieC]

Not sure as I'm still new to Catts but they don't look at all good to me.

Catts like to dry out a lot between waterings and that looks like it's been kept too wet to me.

[ronaldhanko]

Way too wet!

[peeweelovesbooks]

Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too wet. I think you need to repot that thing if you intend to keep it. Cut off all dead roots--does it feel mushy and soft? if so, then it's probably dead..and repot into a medium that suits your growing conditions and watering habits.

[WhiteRabbit]

I do agree it was probably kept too wet, but I'm not sure all those roots are bad, they can brown from the media. If they are firm they are still good. Mushy, soft, or hollow feeling not good.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

How long have you had this plant?

How often do you water?

[Eyebabe]

I agree with all of the above.
If you keep the plant, it should do fine; just keep it very dry for a while and make sure the new media is pre-soaked in rooting solution like KLN.

[glitchathon]

Thanks guys, for the insight. I have had it about 1.5 weeks and watered it once (after it was very dry according to skewer test). I believe it was overwatered prior to me receiving it. Many of the roots are rotted but a lot of the brown ones are actually quite firm still. But there are no roots so it seems not an ideal time to repot? The store i bought it from will take it back, but if it is still a good plant, i am willing to keep it.

Is sphag and bag called for at this point prior to a repot or should i just let it be (careful not to overwater) and wait till new growth of roots?

[Izzie]

I would call the grower and ask for a new one that has been repotted or checked more recently.

I find the catts do not do well with the sphag and bag method. If you keep it, put it in media that suits your conditions, and clip it in place with wire if you need to.

[WhiteRabbit]

If it has good roots, it doesn't need sphag and bag - it can be repotted now even if there are roots currently growing.