Gongora Question

[Jes32566]

I have purchased my first gongora orchid. The seller has cut all the leaves off the pseudo bulbs. Will they grow back from those pseudo bulbs or do I have to wait for new shoots to form? Any help would be much appreciated.

[WhiteRabbit]

Leaves develop on new growth before the pbulbs develop. So, existing pbulbs don't grow leaves.

[disalover]

Originally Posted by Jes32566

I have purchased my first gongora orchid. The seller has cut all the leaves off the pseudo bulbs.

Strange why would he do that?

[isurus79]

He probably cut off the leaves that died. It may just also be that the old leaves died and fell off on their own accord. The old bulbs stay alive and provide nutrients to the plant long after the leaves die.

[Jes32566]

Thanks everyone for your reply. He said he did that because they get damaged in shipping. Gee I have never received an orchid that they on purpose cut all the leaves off. Not very happy about this. But if I send it back it just costs me more money on something I wont have. Will water and fertilize it and hope it sends up a new shoot. I know on cat's and other orchids that the leaf doesn't grow back but was really hoping Gongora was different. Thanks again

[smweaver]

They would only get damaged in shipping if he didn't know what he (or she) was doing. Many growers send thin-leaved orchids without ever having to resort to cutting the leaves off (stanhopeas, for example, have leaves that are very similar to those of gongora, and I've never received a plant from a reputable vendor with damaged leaves). Although the weight of the leaves was probably negligible, he was still doing himself a favor by removing the leaves to lower the shipping costs, given that a plant that will fit in a smaller box will cost the shipper less. Was this an individual who sent the plant to you or a commercial grower? If it was a commercial grower, you would be doing everyone a favor by listing them and giving a review in the vendor section of this site.