Epigeneium nakaharaei yellowing - Orchid Board

Bulbophile · #1 05-01-2009, 10:32 AM

Ok so, I got this tiny little fella on the 15th of April. And it's small, I think it's kind of a compot, there's like 4 or 5 p~bulbs, very close together. I have it potted in a mix of charcoal, bark, perlite and a little sphagnum. It's housed in my orchidarium. It had one yellow leaf when i got it, but theres another one starting to yellow from the tip down. The humidity is around 70-80%, temps are usually 65-80, water is filtered. Filtered midday light.

Any help would be much appreciated.

~Kevin

PS it's my birthday today!

tuvoc · #2 05-01-2009, 11:40 AM

First, Happy Birthday, Kevin! Second, if you could post a pic, we'd be able to get a better idea of what's going on with your baby.

Kim

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #3 05-01-2009, 12:12 PM

I own a Epigeneium sanseiense which is similar to Epigeneium nakaharaei. I don't know what is wrong with your plant until you post up pics. I can tell you a few things about them...

1. I imagine that because my Epigeneium sanseiense produces very few roots per pseudobulb, that your Epigeneium nakaharaei does too.

2. Epigeneium sanseiense looses it's leaf on the very old pseudobulbs, so your Epigeneium nakaharaei might do the same as well.

3. Epigeneium sanseiense is a slow grower. Epigeneium nakaharaei might be the same.

4. Epigeneium sanseiense likes lots of water, (think Pleuro here). I would imagine your Epigeneium nakaharaei does too.

5. Epigeneium sanseiense appreciates a bit of air because of how much water it needs. Epigeneium nakaharaei might as well.

6. Moderate to high humidity is quite possibly a plus for both Epigeneiums.

7. Moderate light can be tolerated by both Epigeneiums.

8. Because my Epigeneium sanseiense behaves this way, I believe your Epigeneium nakaharaei does too...so...by no means should any of the older pseudobulbs be shriveled unless they're about to die. Shriveled old pseudobulbs means they're not getting enough water.

9. Old pseudobulbs last a long time for Epigeneium sanseiense, so I believe your Epigeneium nakaharaei is the same.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #4 05-01-2009, 12:17 PM

Oh, and Epigeneium nakaharaei is a miniature. Each mature pseudobulb is usually no bigger than 3/4".

Their pseudobulbs grow very close together.

My Epigeneium sanseiense is the same on both counts.

Bulbophile · #5 05-01-2009, 12:38 PM

ok here are some pics but this iphone has been beat up so they didn't come out so clear. it could that it can't focus that close....

I'm aware that it's a miniature, but I'm pretty sure this came out of a flask in like october or so....

PS all the pseudobulbs look good. not that you can tell from the photos.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 05-01-2009, 12:43 PM

Looks like it's dropping an old leaf.

Bulbophile · #7 05-01-2009, 12:47 PM

Are you sure, this thing is definitely a baby...
came out of a flask in early winter... is that a possibility? that it's just growing new pseudos and the leaves are dropping off of the older ones? even at such a small size and young age?

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #8 05-01-2009, 12:56 PM

That's what it appears to me. It may be young, but young plants behave similarly to how the mature plant does too.

Here's my evidence...

1. The leaf yellowing is rather large compared to the other ones.

2. The pseudobulb of the leaf that's yellowing is rather large.

3. The pseudobulb does not appear to be a lead growth or a growth that was relatively recent.

4. All the other leaves are fine.

5. You only have one pseudobulb without a leaf.

6. There is no necrosis or rotting of any of the pseudobulbs.

7. From what little I see of the roots, they appear to be alive. (Although I'd check on them.)

I'd be careful about that pot though. It seems pretty large for something so small. Like I said, Epigeneium nakaharaei may not produce a lot of roots per pseudobulb.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #9 05-01-2009, 12:59 PM

BTW I posted info on your Dichaea if you're interested.

It may not be the most sure fire information you'll get about them, but at least it was more than what I got when I attempted to grow them.

Bulbophile · #10 05-01-2009, 01:07 PM

you are probably right as far as the pot size goes the roots seem fine
that are green and probably about 3/4 of an inch long
but they are about the same in number as the p~bulbs.
I'm unsure as to if the dichaea has a fighting chance left but I'm going to give it some time and see if it comes back around...