Shriveled Cattleya P-bulbs

[Becky15349]

I've been dealing with an awful situation on some of my catts since moving into our new apartment with southern windows.

Many of my catts' pbulbs are shriveling like crazy...and I'm watering about 1x every 4-5 days, and this ought to be enough. Just a note - some of these catts where repotted into S&H and were trying to adjust to the new media, but the southern light might've just been to strong for them to grow new roots and recover from repotting... Some of them are so shriveled that they have begun to bend over....will this set them back years? If so, I will probably get rid of them and get new ones - I never intended to hurt them like this, but i guess they just weren't ready for these southern windows!! What do the more experienced catt growers think - will plants with shriveled pbulbs bloom? Or should I start over and buy new ones? I don't mind buying new ones (it was a learning experience!!) if these shriveled ones will take years to recover.

~Becky

[ronaldhanko]

You are probably watering too much if the root systems are not what they should be. Such severe shriveling means they are not getting enough water, but all the watering in the world won't help if the root system is not good. Watering a bit less and putting a large plastic bag over each of them might encourage new roots and prevent further shriveling.
Just a note if you didn't already know it. The best time to repot is when new roots start and it is good to give them a little less light until they adjust

[isurus79]

Can you post pics of the plants and the roots? I have a feeling that rather than cutting back on watering, you need to increase water. If you put your plants in a new environment where there is more sun (and probably more heat), then your plants are probably thirsty! After all, are you more thirsty or less thirsty in hot, sunny weather? Pics will be needed though to determine if Ron is correct in his assumption of rotten roots or otherwise. There is also no need to toss your plants with shriveled bulbs. Once moisture is flowing again, they will plumpen right up.

[Becky15349]

Hey all - when I get home today, I'll take some pics of the shriveled ones I'm at work right now, haha.