Should I save this cattleya? - Orchid Board

jimkamal · #1 10-13-2011, 05:50 PM

Hey guys! The other day I was walking around in my yard and found this little guy sitting on a brick wall by a wooden fence (exposing itself to sun most of the day). I don't know what kind of cattleya this is but it's blooming! I was so shocked to see that a neglected cattleya can survive and bloom even in the hottest conditions. Here's a picture of it. I am thinking of saving it after it blooms and repot it. However, i notice some black spots on some of the leaves (you can sorta see it on the left of the picture). Any suggestions?

glengary54 · #2 10-13-2011, 07:04 PM

Jim,

I can't really tell because of the angle of your photo but it looks like the backside of the plant will need to be cut off when you repot.

The black spotting that you mentioned is just a bit of a fungal infection that looks like it is no longer active.

You definately need to get that plant into a bit lower light conditions, I can see what looks to be a bit of sunburn on the uppermost leaf.

To answer your thread title question, the short answer is yes, why wouldn't you want a plant that could survive all that abuse and still flower for you.

Zoi2 · #3 10-13-2011, 07:19 PM

I totally agree. Save that little dude, its a survivor and pretty to boot.
Joann

jimkamal · #4 10-13-2011, 10:54 PM

Alright. I will take a close up picture of the black spots that is on the leaves. Please let me know what it is so I can treat it and probably save the cattleya. Does anybody know what kind it is by looking at the flower?

glengary54 · #5 10-13-2011, 11:44 PM

Jim - Like I said before, it looks to be a minor fugal infection that doesn't look to be active. If it will make you feel better you can treat it with any systemic fungicide, I am partial to Dithane m-45 which is a generic, inexpensive form of Cleary's 3336. Hope this helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimkamal

Alright. I will take a close up picture of the black spots that is on the leaves. Please let me know what it is so I can treat it and probably save the cattleya. Does anybody know what kind it is by looking at the flower?

Orchidreamer · #6 10-13-2011, 11:48 PM

If it's not spreading don't worry about the fungus.

Can't tell for sure from the photo. It must be a hybrid catt. Looks similar to Bc. Island Charm but then again, you can never really name a catt just by looking at the flowers, since different hybrids look similar. It could also be a Potinara.

Otis226 · #7 10-14-2011, 12:49 AM

Of course save it! Any orchid that just shows up in my yard is gonna be saved every time. Enjoy

Tony

Bud · #8 10-14-2011, 02:04 AM

What kind of question is that?!?! Do you expect us to say: " kill it" ...why of course SAVE IT!
I have a theory that it's just sun spots due to water droplets that the sun burned black...it's not spreading so it's not a threat...to be sure...and for our peace of mind...Do as Gary says and spray the plant with fungicide

Orchid126 · #9 10-14-2011, 04:59 PM

I agree with Bud. They look like sun spots to me also.

What a lovely surprise! These kinds of surprises are what keeps me growing.

Cym Ladye · #10 10-14-2011, 05:24 PM

For your own education, it is always worth trying to save an orphan orchid as a novice, assuming the plant is free of virus and any other transmittable disease. Even if you fail on this plant, the day may come when you have a very valuable plant in your collection which has come onto bad times and really, really want to save it. Any earlier experience will then be "priceless".

CL