psuedobulbs - Orchid Board

dannym4243 · #1 07-22-2011, 11:44 AM

I was wondering what makes psuedobulbs wrinkle? Is it lack of humidity or lack of water. I have a couple of plants that are as wrinkled as I am!
Thanks
Danny

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 07-22-2011, 11:50 AM

The plant is either currently experiencing a period where there is a lack of sufficient water; had in the past experienced a period of time where there was a lack of sufficient water, but the problem has since been rectified, leaving behind the traces of that event; or it is from old age, and the pseudobulbs are about to transfer resources to the newer, younger pseudobulbs.

For any of us on the OB to tell the difference between the 3, photos must be posted up. Verbal descriptions will not help much.

Claire25 · #3 07-31-2011, 08:41 PM

Ditto above. And also to say that "lack of sufficient water" can also come about as a result of dead roots that have all rotted due to OVERwatering. Confusing, ain't it?

A picture of one of these "wrinkly" plants, out of its pot, would be most helpful. That way, we could help you to understand what condition your plants' roots are in (and hence what the underlying cause of the wrinkling is, too).

titi_bradley · #4 07-31-2011, 08:49 PM

How about these?

Claire25 · #5 07-31-2011, 09:10 PM

You know, those roots are very fine. Typically, you want to match the size of the potting medium to the diameter of the roots. The grade of bark you're using looks like it would be a lot more suitable for a much thicker-rooted orchid! I'd consider changing the medium to a finer one (maybe seedling grade bark) and keep my usual watering frequency, making sure of course that I drench thoroughly each time I water.

The good news is that your plants are putting out new growth and roots and so are ready to transition into a new medium, if you decide to repot. And, since it's pretty clear that your problem is underwatering and not rot, your plants should rapidly recover once they begin receiving adequate water. (The dying pseudobulbs aren't going to recover, though--but leave them be for now since the plant is still drawing nourishment from them).

EDIT: Titi, I thought this was a continuation of the other thread you posted. Probably my response doesn't make a lot of sense in the context of THIS thread.

titi_bradley · #6 07-31-2011, 11:34 PM

Yey! I`ll make sure to find a finer medium and smaller pots for all of them!

dannym4243 · #7 08-01-2011, 01:03 AM

Claire you and Titi solved my question as to wrinkled psuedobulbs! Now I see what I am not doing.
Thanks
Danny Medina