New Pbulb? Also, update on my rescues :)

[Bulbofett]

(pic #1)Here is the pbulb in question. This is one of my rescues. It seems weird that it would be putting energy into a new bulb when it only has one root. What gives?


(pic #2)Thanks for all of your advice and help. I started with the sphag and bag method and that only turned into a mold farm so I switched to the tupperware/ziploc/sphagnum method (pic #3) and that immediately started an explosion of new roots.

Some more rescue root pics if you care to take a gander.

Rootopia - Imgur

[Dart21]

Nice aerial roots in there!

That's definitely pushing a new pseudo bulb. It's doing this in order to push new root growth. I actually have an Anguloa uniflora going through the same thing right now. The older bulbs don't necessarily have it in them to push out new roots and maybe they know it would just make more sense to push them through the new bulb... anyhow, you should start to see some fleshy, new roots growing simultaneously to the pseudo bulb pushing growth. Literally about the same length per day in my case with the Anguloa.

[Bulbofett]

I guess that makes sense since the existing pbulbs are pretty shriveled and pathetic looking. Hoping it makes a quick recovery.

[kindrag23]

New phulbs take some time but once they start they get to rocking out. I had one myself w an rootless oncidium. Great job amd keep up the amazing work!.

[Dart21]

Working with 2 rootless rescues currently myself. Both unknown species. One is a miniature Dendrobium and the other is a large, white blooming Cattleya. Very slow at first from past experiences but as kindrag23 said once they establish that first, healthy pseudo bulb they take off!

Looks like you are well on your way.

[james mickelso]

The roots are inconsequencial to new pbulb growth. Look at pic two. New pbulb, roots, and lurking under the dried sheath material is a new shoot waiting patiently. Also some potential buds on the older pbulbs but that is a later topic. Pic two. The pbulb used the energy from the previous growth to grow. It didn't need roots of it's own to do that. Now it has grown to maturity, or near maturity, and it is now growing it's own set of roots. Catts, laelias, saphronitis, brassovolas all grow new roots on the new growth but at different times. Some grow roots starting when the new growth gets halfway to maturity. Some grow new roots at maturity. And some grow to maturity, flower, aND THEN GROW NEW ROOTS AS THE NEW GROWTH STARTS TO GROW. So pic one shows new growth starting but it will be a couple months before roots appear. It is using the energy stored in the preceeding pbulbs to get going. Pic two shows roots starting to grow from the newly matured pbulb. That bulge on the side next to the new roots is the next pbulb. Pic three- get that plant out of the bag. It's not the appropriate method for this plant. It will just grow molds and fungus along with some bad boy bacterias. If you want, place it in a Tupperware tub minus the lid with some damp sphagnum moss around it and keep it nice and warm. Guarranteed.

[Bulbofett]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Pic three- get that plant out of the bag. It's not the appropriate method for this plant. It will just grow molds and fungus along with some bad boy bacterias. If you want, place it in a Tupperware tub minus the lid with some damp sphagnum moss around it and keep it nice and warm. Guarranteed.

This has been the only method I've found where mold wasn't growing. I tried sphag and bag and that did, in fact, grow mold. The plant is just sitting in that pot, its not actually potted. There are also 2 ventilation holes at the top for added circulation. I'm just waiting until those roots get a tad longer, and then I will pot like normal. So far it has worked beautifully.

[james mickelso]

the plant will root because it has the energy to do so. if it is working, ok. I used to use this method but only in extreme cases.