Ludiscia Discolor issue continuing... - Orchid Board

Paul Mc · #1 01-08-2011, 09:10 AM

I posted previously because I woke one morning to find my first blooming stalk of my Ludiscia Discolor had fallen over and detached itself from the main plant. I was not necessarily alarmed but wanted to save the part that fell regardless of the blooms or not.

Well, I potted that one up and cut the flower stalk and it does not appear to be rooting and the leaves are withering.

However, yesterday I noticed that the same thing is happening to the second stalk (luckily I had three blooming stalks).

There is a semi-circle missing from the underside of one of the main stalks which was not there before. I lightly dusted it with cinnamon and felt it but it was not mushy like the other one that had completely fallen off.

What else can I do? What is causing this? Could it be overwatering perhaps? FYI, this particular stalk is not touching the soil and the semi-circle that is missing is in the air so I'm really confused. I don't want to lose this entire plant.

Any thoughts and suggestions guys? Sorry, no pictures as it will be extremely difficult (if not impossible without breaking it) to get a camera lens under there to show you guys what is happening.

CTB · #2 01-08-2011, 09:20 AM

What is it potted in? Have you looked at the roots? How much light is it getting? Have you treated it for bugs? is it inside or out? Need a little more information on the situation, before trying to help. .

Paul Mc · #3 01-08-2011, 09:28 AM

Sure thing. It is potted in a mix of perlite (1/4 cup) and Miracle Gro's orchid mix (1 cup) (I mixed it because otherwise I feared it would be too heavy even for a terrestrial orchid). It gets some direct sun early in the morning until about 10am, then it goes into shade. It is in an east windowsill.

I have not treated for bugs as I have not seen any upon close inspection. I have not looked at the roots yet though to be honest. There are still 3 other stalks remaining after this one in particular (but only one other is blooming as they others are relatively new).

CTB · #4 01-08-2011, 09:39 AM

They like to be kept evenly moist? How do you check for moisture?

Paul Mc · #5 01-08-2011, 09:55 AM

I wait until the mixture is semi-dry to the touch, and I have a humidity tray underneath which I keep filled at all times. I do not necessarily run water through the potting mixture to fill the tray, unless the potting mix appears to need water. Generally I tell by looking at it and by touch (sometimes digging a bit to see what's going on below).

Paul · #6 01-08-2011, 01:41 PM

A pic could be helpful though I know you said getting such would be difficult. My first thought would be a snail/slug or some sort of cutworm/caterpillar.

Paul Mc · #7 01-08-2011, 02:26 PM

Here's two pic's I tried to take of it, but again getting a close up of it was impossible during this attempt. You can see the semi-circle just to the left of the cane I'm using to support the bloom spike.

It doesn't appear to be a bite per say, and I'm concerned because the other stalk that did fall off had a similar semi-circle and was mushy. This semi-circle is not mushy yet but seems to be following the pattern of what happened before, thus the stake to support the blooms so it doesn't break this time.

Paul · #8 01-08-2011, 02:46 PM

I'll be interested as to what others think. Personally, I stand by my earlier assessment.

orchidmtius · #9 01-08-2011, 04:00 PM

Hello,
This problem concerning Ludisia's also happens to me some times ago. I've been able to get rid of it. Here are the steps I've taken:
1) Depot the plant and cut infected areas, the above pictures shows clearly that it is a rot.
2) Rinse the plant using a fungicide at recommended strength.
3) Repot in a mixture of Perlite 1/4 and sphagnum 3/4, and you will be happy.
Rgds,
CA