Had to do surgery on rotting new growths :(

[Jinh]

My Cymbidium started 4 new growths. I was sad to find that 2 of them are rotting this morning. Both of them had black spots on the underside of the base of the growth. The smaller one looked like something had chewed it, the larger one was so far gone I couldn’t really tell.

I’m not sure if it was a pest, although I have about 30 other orchids outside and none of the others seem to show signs of being chewed on.

It’s been raining almost everyday for 2 weeks and SUPER humid, even for my area. It’s been pretty stagnant with very little wind. Right now it’s 90 F and about 80% RH.

Anyway, I cut away all the rot, spot treated with Physan 20 and cinnamon, and added lava rocks to the bottom of the pot to raise the base of the plant high above the rim for more airflow.

I’m not too hopeful either growth will make it. Should I water with Physan the next time I water? I also had my Phal Gigantea show a small wet looking spot on the new leaf, which makes me think it is probably the recent weather conditions that is causing the issues.

The roots look pretty good and hopefully the next 2 growths make it.

[Ray]

I would dab a Q-tip in cinnamon powder and dab it on the wounds, doing my best to avoid getting it on the roots. The will sterilize and desiccate them.

Any idea why they failed?

[Jinh]

Originally Posted by Ray

I would dab a Q-tip in cinnamon powder and dab it on the wounds, doing my best to avoid getting it on the roots. The will sterilize and desiccate them.

Any idea why they failed?

I used Physan 20 on the wounds and then cinnamon.

Maybe just the super stagnant weather is all I can think. I haven’t seen any indication that any of my other plants have been munched on by pests.

[Orchid Whisperer]

My experience is that sometimes Cymbidiums outdoors are eaten by squirrels, especially new growths, but sometimes also pseudobulbs. That could be the culprit causing the damage (or something similar, like mice or rats). I can't rule out something like slugs or snails though, or even cockroaches.

The appearance of the new growths suggests you plant will recover, as long as the new growths are not also eaten. Physan won't help with that.

If you think the rain is a contributing factor, can the plant be moved into a protected location for a while? Indoors possibly?

[Jinh]

I just have such poor lighting indoors, but the rain has slowed down. So hopefully the same problem won’t happen with the next 2 growths.

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

My experience is that sometimes Cymbidiums outdoors are eaten by squirrels, especially new growths, but sometimes also pseudobulbs. That could be the culprit causing the damage (or something similar, like mice or rats). I can't rule out something like slugs or snails though, or even cockroaches.

The appearance of the new growths suggests you plant will recover, as long as the new growths are not also eaten. Physan won't help with that.

If you think the rain is a contributing factor, can the plant be moved into a protected location for a while? Indoors possibly?