rotted roots

[weitoi]

I recently purchased a Cattleya Orchid from an Orchid Show. It was in spag media and a flimsy temporary pot, and as it was putting out a new leaf, I decided that I wanted to repot it in a better pot and some bark media, which I prefer, especially for Cattleya. When I took it out of the pot, about 75% of the roots were rotten. There wasn't much left for viable roots. I potted it in a combination of medium bark, perlite, charcoal mixture and as the media had soaked for 2 hours prior, I only rinsed a little water through the media after I potted the plant. I have kept it out of sunlight and it's in moderate light and have watered it only when the media is near dried out. I have now noticed that the pseudo's are withering and one of the leaves is starting to wither as well. I am prepared that I may not be able to save this Cattleya. The new leaf is just sitting there and not advancing... it is hear the stage to open soon, but does nothing. Is there anything else I can do to encourage new roots? I bought two orchids at the show and both have rotted roots. I a disappointed!!

[Bud]

The very first time you bring any plant to your environment always make it a point to check the roots and if you find it rotting wash it and spray with physan20 to rule out bacteria or fungi infestation....or if you become more expert at detecting root rot then you bring in the big guns chemicals and try to save it. Even if you got it from a reputable Orchid Show always trust your instincts. Some plants look nice and healthy from the outside until you discover what is hidden below the pot.

[withoutid]

Why are you disappointed? To be honest, I cut all the roots of my first orchids when I repotted them. It took longer for them to re-establish but they did fine and bloomed frequently.
My suggestion is moving the plants out of their pots, trimming all the root and disinfect them with antibacterial/fungicide chemicals (I preferred copper based ones). Then spray them with seaweed extract to stimulate root growth (really works for me). It's summer now so you can put those plant outside in shaded area. Don't repot them yet. Just let them sit there in an empty pot and mist everyday until you see new roots. That's the time to repot your orchids. My last words: don't underestimate the vitality of cattleya .

[silken]

Sounds like you were at the same show as me I bought a few that sound about the same. You can leave it unpotted or sitting on some lava rock and watering with seaweed water. I have cut all rotten roots and potted in small clear pots in medium bark that was nuked in the microwave in water for 5 mins on high.

Prior to potting them I soaked the roots in individual containers of seaweed water. It works real well for stimulating root growth. Catts seem to respond to it well.

I have lost a leaf on several and it will take them a while to bounce back, but I think they all will. It seems a shame this is the shape we have to get our plants but there are no real orchid vendors even remotely near to us so a show is the only chance for a variety of choice. And many of them are imported bare roots or stuffed into moss. I always re-pot these immediately.

[tucker85]

I've had the same experience at orchid shows. I bought two cattleyas from a vendor from Taiwan who had beautiful plants for sale. But neither one of them had any viable roots. I live in Florida so I don't know what works in your environment but down here, we leave cattleyas unpotted until new roots start to develop. I just drop the bare-root plant in a clay or ceramic pot with no media at all. Some of my friends hang them bare-root from a wire. I use seaweed, like Silken suggested, to stimulate roots and I mist the root area once every day or two. Roots usually start to develop in a few weeks.

[pipsxlch]

Originally Posted by withoutid

Why are you disappointed? .

Why shouldn't Weitoi- and anyone else who finds this- be disappointed? It's a specialist gathering so you expect knowledge and more of them than you would a NOID at the grocer's; you pay a premium just to attend and then the plants at a show are NOT cheap. (my mother doesn't want to go to any more because the prices are actually pretty high compared to other shopping options around here, so we are rather spoiled). It's almost to the point- she's right- that you'll get healthier plants cheaper at those other options. Something that show governing bodies might want to consider. End rant.

The plant should recover fine, but it'll take time and it will be set back. Tucker, Silken etc. have given you good points. I'd just keep it in a humid area, outside if possible, maybe leave it potted up as you have it now (do remove dead roots) but hit it with the seaweed as they directed. It probably will 'sulk' for awhile, don't stress too bad about its doing nothing.

[silken]

I am always sort of disappointed. But sadly I've come to expect it as the norm from the imported plants at shows. My worse are always from a large Taiwan vendor. So silly me, quite ordering and buying you might think. But they also have pages of selection and things I want. Getting some of these is a once a year opportunity if I am lucky. So I do and just expect a blooms size plant is really a large seedling since it is going to be set back before I see blooms. Most of mine have survived in the end.

[weitoi]

Thank you everyone for your reply.
I will do as advised and hope the plant survives.
I, as we all do, look forward to the Orchid show to purchase plants with names and that are either in bloom or soon to be. My first bad experience was with a Painted Phal... I did not notice the mildew on it until I had taken it out of the packaging. I tried everything to rid the mildew and the plant finally succumbed to it!
I purchased a beautiful species Cattleya last year which was sold as a bare root... it has done wonderfully and in no time was sending out new roots, put out a new leaf and now there's another leaf on the way. Very healthy. I agree 100% that when you purchase at a show, you are expecting the plants to come from professional growers and the roots should not be rotting. They should be the picture of good health and vitality! I will still purchase at shows because of all the varieties available there and you are able to talk to the vendors about their plants.
I am now hopeful that my new Cattleya will survive!
I am ever so grateful to everyone for the advice and encouragement!
With many thanks,
Weitoi