New Catt Growth turning black!!

[orchidman77]

Hey guys, the very first catt I got is worrying me. I bought it around 2 years ago from Lowes and lost the tag at some point, but believe it to be C. chocolate drop 'Volcano Queen.' We'll see for sure if/when it blooms.

Anyway, I took it inside because it's getting cold (finally! ), and it was just putting on 2 more growths, one a lead growth and another kind of in the middle of the rhizome. I repotted it because the mix was looking a little old, and set it in the windowsill where it gets some light, but not too much. I'll give it more light when it gets settled in from the repotting.

Today I noticed that the LEADING new growth was a dark brown/black color all the way up to a node sort of thing. I felt it and it wasn't mushy, but it's worrying me. I dusted it with cinnamon (don't know if that will do anything) and am hoping for the best. I do not believe that I'm overwatering; I'm waiting for the medium to look dry and then waiting a few days before watering (about once a week). I'll try to post a picture soon, but can anyone help me????

Thanks--

David

[susiep]

Can you post pictures? We really need that. Watch it closely. I hope it is not black rot, because that is serious. I only mention it because you said the new growths were black. You may need to cut that section back and use antifungal sprays. But lets see some pictures first, ok?

[Lagoon]

Hi David

I agree with Susan, you may need to be cutting of that infected area to avoid any spreading.

A photo would really help us alot!

[orchidman77]

Hey guys, I cut off the infected areas last night because I searched for more information. It was some sort of rot, but it is no more! The newest lead pbulb was the only area affected, and it had not spread to the rhizome yet. I sterilized some scissors (flame style! ) and cut the infected area off. then I dabbed with cinnamon and then soaked a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and left it there overnight. I'll post some pictures later today, but I think it's going to be all right.

Thanks guys!!!!!

David

[orchidman77]

Update: Just over 1 month later, it's doing quite well. I repotted it today in CHC because the old medium was just not working out too well. It's producing many new roots and looking great.

Next time I get rot of any sort, I'll be prepared, to say the least!!!

David

[Brookpoint]

what is chc that you used for potting?

[RosieC]

Hi Brookpoint,

CHC is 'Coconut Husk Chip'. It's chunks of coconut husk and should not be confused with Coconut Husk Fibre or Ground Coconut Husk.

It holds moisture a bit more than bark and it also breaks down slower. I use it mixed with bark but it can also be used on it's own instead of bark.

[etex]

What are the usual causes of new growths on catts turning black? It's happened to me a few times and removing the new growth prevents it from spreading.

[orchidman77]

Etex, too much water on the plant itself and not enough light can lead to rot--but they are not direct causes. I'm not exactly sure, rot can be bacterial or fungal, so when the right circumstances for a bacteria or fungus exist (hence lots of water/low light) the unwanted "bugs" and stuff can grow and cause rot.

I cut the new growth off with a sterilized blade. That's really all I know to do to save the plant. Luckliy it hadn't spread to the rhizome so the rest of the plant is safe and happy.

David

[Brookpoint]

thanks so much for your answer, where do you buy it? I have not seen it on the market.