Wrinkled leaves on catt - Orchid Board

Maree · #1 10-30-2009, 05:00 PM

Hello,
I have a Blc Lily Marie Almas 'MGR' (Orange Nuggett X Lc Jalapa) and the leaves seem to be more wrinkled then I remember when I purchased almost a year ago. It has two new leaves and new roots. Any expert advice?

trdyl · #2 10-30-2009, 05:11 PM

Hello Maree. From the condition of the leaves and pseudobulbs it looks like your roots are gone. Either from over watering, bad media, or a combination of both. You should remove the dead roots and repot it with fresh media. When you repot it remember to keep the rhizome on top of the media. Water it only when the media is almost fully dry. This is really a good time to repot it since the new roots are just coming out.

Maree · #3 10-30-2009, 05:33 PM

He is in an Aussie Gold potting soil, which I find tricky. I would like to repot with bark and sphag. Can I remove, trim off dead roots and put right back in the same pot? Thanks so much

trdyl · #4 10-30-2009, 05:51 PM

Potting soil it never ever a good choice for any Cattleya or hybrid. There is simply not enough air circulation for the roots which causes them to rot. As far as using the same pot sure it looks like there be eongh room for at least a years growth but give it a good washing with a dish soap. Spaghnum is very tricky in plastic pots over 4 inchs in diameter. It would not hurt to use a little moss in with the bark. But use very little.

Maree · #5 10-30-2009, 05:53 PM

Here he is when I bought him. Tell me more about what you see with the pseudobulb, it looks the same as when he was healthy to me, but I am interested to learn from you. I would love to repot, but would it be better for him to just dry him out and limit watering? Again, many thanks for your expertise.

trdyl · #6 10-30-2009, 06:07 PM

I love orange Catts. The flower is beautiful. The bulb in the upper right corner of IMG_2750 is dessicated and so are the leaves which is a very strong indication of root rot. By leaving it in the same old bad media your new roots will do the same and the plant will further decline.