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

[flowerpower]

This alliance never ceases to amaze me at what it can do in dire situations. As long as it's not rotten in the rhizome, the bulbs you have seem healthy and fat. I would just see what happens. The first pseudobulb might be tiny if the other pseudobulbs are not properly connected but I wouldn't be surprised if something can be propagated from it. I would try if it was my orchid, especially cattleya alliance.

[ryrycochinco]

looks salvageable. Just cut off all the rotten gunk on the bottom (which may be all of the roots) and lay over sphag and keep moist. Should be fine in time.

[Orchid Whisperer]

The photos will likely look different on my laptop compared to on my phone, but what I see looks salvageable. Worth trying.

Since the seller honestly tried to warn you off, I think it remains yours now, fair an square.

[rbarata]

It seems to be as good as if it was bought last weekend.

Of course you can save it. It has good pbulbs and firm roots. Just take out what is rotten.
Was it collected from the wild?

[YYSRojas]

Well I've place it in some moss, put a splint on the loose bulb and played Eye of the Tiger to it for motivation. We'll see how it goes. Well I'm not all to sure if it was collected in the wild, most of the old timers here tie their orchids to a tree and when they are ready, chop them down. It's not to common to see Catt. in pots from those folks. Thanks for all the advice, I'll keep you guys posted.

J

[estación seca]

Yes, I think it is viable, and should recover well.