Cyc. Cooperi - Orchid Board

jaxorchidman · #1 10-03-2009, 09:47 PM

Just bought this sick cyc.!!!! It has dropped all the flowers and I noticed that the base is feeling a little mushy on one of the growths. It did receive a little sunburn but I don't think that would do this. Also looks like maybe a bug has been "browning" the stalk. I've included some pics. For now I have stopped all watering. Last time I watered was about a week ago.

dvespertilio · #2 10-04-2009, 12:06 AM

I think cutting back on the watering and drying things out is about all you can do right now. Not sure what's going on. I have a Cycnoches cooperii, but it seems to be doing ok. Have been growing my plants outdoors here in NE Florida. I see you're in the Jax Orchid Society. Welcome to the OrchidBoard. Maybe we should get in touch? Are you growing a lot of catasetinae and stanhopeas?

isurus79 · #3 10-04-2009, 12:42 AM

Honestly, this plant looks a little dehydrated. Which bulb is getting mushy? If its a new one, that's a problem. If its the oldest, that's fine. These guys actually consume their own bulbs. They turn a light brown, get soft and slowly shrink down to nothing. That is not a problem.

Nokomis.FL · #4 10-04-2009, 12:20 PM

The spots on the leaves are most likely water spots. They focus the sunlight and do a bit of burning.

I would water it with some kind of fungicide added and then let it dry out for a few days. Keep in mind that it may be ready to go dormant for the winter, too.

jaxorchidman · #5 10-04-2009, 12:27 PM

Took it out of the pot to inspect the roots and they look healthy still. Nice and hard. The little new growth with the leaves feels a little mushy on the base. This is my first cycnoches. I'll spray some 409/alcohol mix on it and see if that will help any.
Spertilio- I'm a new member at JOS. I'm also going to visit the st aug. Society as well hit me up on a pm. Maybe I'll see you at the next JOS meeting??

Nokomis.FL · #6 10-04-2009, 02:47 PM

If it's already getting 'mushy,' you may need something stronger than 409/alcohol. I consider that to be a preventative, not a curative.

jaxorchidman · #7 10-04-2009, 03:28 PM

Nokomis- What do you recommend?? fungicide?? What brand???

The smaller new growth's leave(s) is starting to yellow and the base does feel mushy. should I cut it off? I really don't want to lose this plant!!! It is very cool. Thanks for all the help so far people!!!!!

isurus79 · #8 10-04-2009, 05:57 PM

Sounds like you're gonna have to chop off the mushy growth. Make sure you get all the brown parts so that after cutting, you only see green 'flesh.' Dust with fungicide or cinnamon and don't water for a few days.

Nokomis.FL · #9 10-05-2009, 08:15 AM

Dithane M45 is my choice. It's a wetable powder that's a combination of manganese and zinc that is safe enough to use on food crops. If the rot is really bad, I'd use a systemic at half strength after cutting off the rot, but that's a last resort.

I've never used copper on orchids.

jaxorchidman · #10 10-05-2009, 09:37 AM

Ok guys... I went ahead and cut the new growth that was getting mushy at the base of the cane. The leaves had started to drop and I just felt it might be necessary to save the plant. Two of the bigger growths feel fine and there are some newer growths about 1 in tall coming in. After I cut I dusted with cinnamon and left to dry out. Hopefully this will work. I'm also going to bring it with me Tues. night to my orchid society meeting so they can give me more advice. I'll keep you posted and thanks a million for everyone's help!!!!