What would cause this??? - Orchid Board

orchidlover69 · #1 01-08-2011, 05:19 PM

I just purchased a large specimen cattleya earlier this week while on a road trip. There were many buds yet to open. I have noticed as they do, the three smallest petals which were on the outside before opening are curling up at the tips and withering. Is this a problem associated with travel, and brief changes in weather conditions while moving to and from the car? It is a shame to have such lovely flowers that have withering right out of the gate. Any help would be great.

If this helps, two of the leaves have yellowing at about 2 inches from the tip inward. These appear to be older psuedobulbs. Two others have some spotting that I would attribute to damage.

RobS · #2 01-08-2011, 06:00 PM

As you have moved the plant and maybe was moved before you did. I think the withering is most likeley caused by that. Cold temperatures or to dry air / heater can cause this.

orchidlover69 · #3 01-08-2011, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobS

As you have moved the plant and maybe was moved before you did. I think the withering is most likeley caused by that. Cold temperatures or to dry air / heater can cause this.

I suppose better this than some here to fore unknown blight. It was shuffled between greenhouses, and in and out of the car 4 times on the way home. Thanks for the input.

Orchonubee · #4 01-10-2011, 10:40 AM

[QUOTE=orchidlover69;371195]I just purchased a large specimen cattleya earlier this week while on a road trip. There were many buds yet to open. I have noticed as they do, the three smallest petals which were on the outside before opening are curling up at the tips and withering. Is this a problem associated with travel, and brief changes in weather conditions while moving to and from the car? It is a shame to have such lovely flowers that have withering right out of the gate. Any help would be great.QUOTE]

Another question might be, what to do about it? My suggestion to that would be a light misting with a diluted seaweed extract and placing in a warm location. Hopefully others may have additional suggestions.

orchidlover69 · #5 01-10-2011, 10:52 AM

Should one mist the entire plant or a specific location, a la the roots.

Orchonubee · #6 01-10-2011, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidlover69

Should one mist the entire plant or a specific location, a la the roots.

I would mist the entire plant. This will help increase the brix of the plant. A previous post mentioned the moving of the plant as the cause and this could be all that's wrong. Some orchids sulk for awhile after being moved

orchidlover69 · #7 01-10-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchonubee

I would mist the entire plant. This will help increase the brix of the plant. A previous post mentioned the moving of the plant as the cause and this could be all that's wrong. Some orchids sulk for awhile after being moved

My search for seaweed yielded lotions, tinctures, and plant stuff to boot. Is there a particular brand and vender you prefer for this type of item?

CTB · #8 01-10-2011, 05:17 PM

Liquid seaweed is a fertilizer sold in a nursery. Google for liquid Seaweed, fertilizer and you should find it. May even have it at Lowe's or home depot.
Sounds like a pretty fast change for one week, has it been extra cold? Or extra hot?

orchidlover69 · #9 01-10-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTB

Liquid seaweed is a fertilizer sold in a nursery. Google for liquid Seaweed, fertilizer and you should find it. May even have it at Lowe's or home depot.
Sounds like a pretty fast change for one week, has it been extra cold? Or extra hot?

They travelled from a warm greenhouse, outside in the winter air, to another warm greenhouse. Then outside again to the car. Then outside to get into the hotel, back out again, and then into the house. So there have been a plenty of climate changes over the course of 2 days. The plant has changed little aside from gorgeous buds opening up, and it looks gorgeous. Thanks for all of the info!

Orchonubee · #10 01-10-2011, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidlover69

My search for seaweed yielded lotions, tinctures, and plant stuff to boot. Is there a particular brand and vender you prefer for this type of item?

Plug this into Google: maxicrop liquid seaweed