Encyclia(prostechea) campylostalix bad root syst

[RenéeS]

Hi folks.

Two weeks ago I came home with a tiny Encyclia campylostalix potted in fine bark mix. It had a new growth. I inspected it's root system and found out it barely had any. Roots were dark looking and some mushy (rotted). It had about 1 firm root, looking black, which could also be discoloration from the potting medium. All roots were from old bulbs, none were coming from the new growth. I added a picture which is not too clear but I hope it shows the state the plant is in. Since the potting medium had degraded quite a bit I've put it in spaghnum moss.

I am determined to grow this plant and am hoping I have created the proper environment for it. I put it in a tall vase with clay pellets and moss in the bottom which I keep moist. The plant is in its pot on top of it. It's in the living room. I know it is from the cloud forest so I think it should be kept relatively moist. Does anyone have experience groeing this mini? Could someone advice me on how I can encourage root growth? Thanks in advance!!

[euplusia]

I don't have it but know it as it is grown in our local society. Encyclia campylostalix is not a mini, and your plant is small and in bad shape. I am not familiar with growing Encyclias in sphagnum, I grow mine potted in Cattleya mix (fir bark and Seramis) and keep it on the dry side. Many Encyclias produce roots only once in a year and roots suffer from too much humidity. But you can give it a try in clay pellets, which worked for me well in Arpophyllum, Cattleya schroederae and L. purpurata.

[RenéeS]

Thanks for your reply! The grower told me it was a mini, I was unaware that it isn't. Thanks for clearing that up. Do you think plants deteriorate so quickly under new care, or that these bad roots developed over a longer period of time? It's only been in my care for nearly 2 weeks. Since it is a cloud forest plant, I am not sure if it should be kept dry. I've tried researching it but there is not alot to be found about this species. I did find it wants otherconditions than other encyclia's (cool, moist and shady). I am hoping someone with experience with this species will shed some light on this and will share his or her experiences! I have also contacted the grower I got it from.