Yellow Leaves on Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl'

[zelda]

I received this plant in this condition. The leaves are yellowed, spotted, and droopy. The backbulb is pretty shriveled up. Is this normal for this plant at this time of year? This is my first catasetum type. I grow mostly paphs, phrags, and catts. This orchid is getting around 2800-3200 foot candles, so plenty of bright light. I've had it about two weeks.

Any help would be much appreciated. The plant was an expensive purchase, so I just want to make sure I keep it alive. Should I contact the seller about the condition? Thanks!

[jcec1]

I would say it is not normal to be in that condition. The leaves should be firm and green and the new pseudobulb should be a reasonable size by now. I would expect the roots to be filling the pot - I can't see any. I would check the root condition.

I would also check for spider miites that may be causing the yellowing of the leaves, and quarantine the plant, keeping it well away from your others.

There is a member on here who is an 'expert' on Catasetums and hopefully they will chip in with some advice on next steps.

[AvantGardner]

I'd say from the sooty mold on the underside of the leaves and the yellowing edges you may have a pest, spider mites or thrips maybe. It happens from time to time. But, if you bought it in that condition, sight unseen, I'd say the seller has ethical issues.

The prior years' pseudobulbs will shrivel, it happens. But this doesn't seem to be putting on much meat this year. Are you in the northern or Southern Hemisphere? How are the roots? Do you have access to rooting hormone or kelp extract?

First things first, take care of infestation. This years growth might be a wash. If it makes you feel any better I've received divisions in worse condition that are still alive and well today.

[zelda]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I live in California. I will email the seller and send them this photo. It was shipped to me in this condition, so I'm pretty bummed that it could be a spider mite infestation. I do not want to jeopardize my other plants. The roots are ok. Not great.

I just got an email from the seller telling me that this couldn't possibly be their plant. Which is very upsetting. It's the *only* catasetum type I have. I'm taking deep breaths, and will isolate this plant away from the rest of my orchids.

[AvantGardner]

Sorry, hope the seller intends on making it right...

[zelda]

I took it out of its pot and put it in sphagnum. The roots are in bad shape, mostly a creamy brown color. Looks like some root nubbins are breaking through the old roots. At this point, I am hoping to save this plant. I don't have any experience with catasetum types and was hoping my first one would go a lot better than this. Any advice on what I can do to save it?

It's outside away from the rest of my plants. I haven't heard back from the seller, but I hope they will do the right thing and at least admit they made a mistake. I'm upset that they are saying it couldn't possibly be theirs because this one doesn't meet the quality of their plants. Sigh.

[fishmom]

Please tell me it wasn't Sunset Valley Orchids.

A healthy ctsm. likes plenty of sun, food, and water. Your plant may not be up to too much sun, though. If it were mine, I would drench both top and roots in Bayer 3-in-1, which is supposed to control mites as well as other insects, and several diseases including sooty mold. Give it the best care you can, it has a lot of growing time left this year and may be able to make up some lost growth.

Try to keep it growing throughout the fall. When it finally goes dormant, those ugly leaves will fall off and you get a second chance. I love that about catasetums! Good luck.

[zelda]

No, it wasn't SVO.

[fishmom]

Whew! I thought my illusions were going to be shattered.

[zelda]

Thank you for your suggestions! Those are all super helpful. Hopefully it will survive.