Flea Market Rescue Cattleya in Trouble

[YYSRojas]

Greetings Everyone,

The first weekend of the month is always an exciting time for orchid collectors because of the flea market that pops up in the middle of downtown Medellin. You'll find all types of sellers selling pretty much the same stock( Catt, Phrags, Paps, sometimes a couple of Vandas.) Once in a while you'll find lit gems like a blooming Ada elegantula I got for $3.00. Normally, I mainly collect the worse looking bunch, the ones with scars, broken or cracked leaves, etc and try to make them look their prime again. Now I'm confronted with formidable challenge. Bernardo, the seller, tried to dissuade me from making the purchase claiming he had better stock, but there was something about the Catt that spoke to me, lol. It was a far cry from the pretty leaves and powerful colors of some of the others ones, but I had to have it. He sold it to me for 6 bucks and I get it home to realize that it is in worse shape then I thought. The orchid did have a bloom that was on its way out, I would have left it on but the pbulb is loose, the outer skin doesn't seem to be broken, but internally it has given way. Since it is the newest growth I'm concerned that the new growth won't develop. Now on the opposite end it seems like the same thing happened. The pbulb broke off right above where the eye develops. I guess I'll tape the loose one and cross my fingers. But do you guys think there is a chance any eyes will develop. Any ideas or suggestions.

thanks
J