Maxillaria Tenuifolia Bulb Problem?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Nobody's addressed this yet, so let me tell you something that you probably never really thought about...

Your Max tenuifolia is rotting for a reason. I can guarantee you that it isn't because the initial cause of the problem was the disease organism, because it isn't.

The root, ( no pun intended, ), of your problem is exactly what I just mentioned - it's the roots, they're doing poorly. They are most likely suffocating from the pot that is too large for your orchid. Here's what I mean:

Pot size too large for the orchid = large amount of potting media compared to the root mass, (and in your case the potting media is a mix of CHC and Sphagnum moss) = high water retention from the plentiful CHC & Sphagnum moss = lower air circulation to the roots = roots dry out much too slow = roots suffocate and root cells start to burst from too much water, causing death of root cells = dead root cells provide a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms = root rot = stresses the plant out = lowering the plant's defenses against the disease causing agents = more pathogenic microorganisms proliferate = stressing the plant out further = further lowering the plant's defenses against disease organisms = rotting of the pseudobulbs themselves.

As you can see, if you don't take care of the real problem, you're only going to fix things on a "cosmetic" level. If the true problem is not addressed, later down the line, one or more pseudobulbs are going to rot, and you're going to continue wondering what's happening to your plant when so many people are saying that this species is tough as nails.

I highly recommend changing the pot size to something that is only 2" x 2" x 2" in dimensions. Anything larger than this, is already way too large for your Max tenuifolia.

[AuGrower]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Nobody's addressed this yet, so let me tell you something that you probably never really thought about...

Your Max tenuifolia is rotting for a reason. I can guarantee you that it isn't because the initial cause of the problem was the disease organism, because it isn't.

The root, ( no pun intended, ), of your problem is exactly what I just mentioned - it's the roots, they're doing poorly. They are most likely suffocating from the pot that is too large for your orchid. Here's what I mean:

Pot size too large for the orchid = large amount of potting media compared to the root mass, (and in your case the potting media is a mix of CHC and Sphagnum moss) = high water retention from the plentiful CHC & Sphagnum moss = lower air circulation to the roots = roots dry out much too slow = roots suffocate and root cells start to burst from too much water, causing death of root cells = dead root cells provide a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms = root rot = stresses the plant out = lowering the plant's defenses against the disease causing agents = more pathogenic microorganisms proliferate = stressing the plant out further = further lowering the plant's defenses against disease organisms = rotting of the pseudobulbs themselves.

As you can see, if you don't take care of the real problem, you're only going to fix things on a "cosmetic" level. If the true problem is not addressed, later down the line, one or more pseudobulbs are going to rot, and you're going to continue wondering what's happening to your plant when so many people are saying that this species is tough as nails.

I highly recommend changing the pot size to something that is only 2" x 2" x 2" in dimensions. Anything larger than this, is already way too large for your Max tenuifolia.

Thank you for the response! I wish I had it sooner. I will definitely change the pot size. Should I use a different medium? Currently it is in a mix from repotme.com, I added in some coco husk to help with air flow and moisture retention(at least that was my line of thinking.) I am currently attempting to grow my orchids outdoors on a covered porch, they may be getting too much sun there. I am trying to decide on repotting for the rest of them, as well as placement. As for moisture retention, it gets very hot down here in the summer so I was thinking I should water everyday at least once. Again though I do not want to overdo it because our humidity is also pretty high.
I have only had it in there for about a week or so. I think the initial rot came in with it since. It was potted on solid sphag when I first got it. Which I knew was not the best. But I absolutely don't want this to continue. I will refresh my repotting tactics. Again thank you for the extremely helpful advice. I don't think I will ever be able to know enough about Orchids to make me stop feeling like such a Newb.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I'd just use the CHC, since you have such high humidity.

Too much sun is not an issue with this orchid. I've grown this species in full sun before, and it does just fine.

I wouldn't worry about this orchid too much, it bounces back real fast.

[AuGrower]

Sounds good to me, yea its not my ax um worried about surprisingly enough its my cats an one Vanda that are starting to lighten in color. Although I think they will be fine now that I am letting them adjust gradually. I wonder if I could get away with using CHC on all of them then.

max. teniflora
pot. burana beauty
ascda. memoria ...
Vanda Roberts Delight
v. doctor anek simirun
B little stars
epilaeliocattleya Charlie brown.
bl. yellow bird
blc. george king 'serendipty'
bllra. marflitch 'howards dream'
is my list of additions, I know it depends on the chid, but since ill have them in these double pots I'm gong to look into it. I do have some co co fiber on hand. i may shred some of it and mix it in for the more water loving ones. Also the bllra. im growing inside since it doesn't need as much light.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by AuGrower

Sounds good to me, yea its not my ax um worried about surprisingly enough its my cats an one Vanda that are starting to lighten in color. Although I think they will be fine now that I am letting them adjust gradually. I wonder if I could get away with using CHC on all of them then.

max. teniflora
pot. burana beauty
ascda. memoria ...
Vanda Roberts Delight
v. doctor anek simirun
B little stars
epilaeliocattleya Charlie brown.
bl. yellow bird
blc. george king 'serendipty'
bllra. marflitch 'howards dream'
is my list of additions, I know it depends on the chid, but since ill have them in these double pots I'm gong to look into it. I do have some co co fiber on hand. i may shred some of it and mix it in for the more water loving ones. Also the bllra. im growing inside since it doesn't need as much light.

You know your lighting conditions and your orchids better than I do, so if you feel the need to adjust the amount of lighting that some of your orchids are receiving, then by all means do so.

I don't see why you can't use CHC for all the plants you listed in your collection. You just need to adjust to their needs that's all. Watch the roots and see how they're doing.

Hope this helps.

Philip

[Purple_phal_gal13]

I have a coconut orchid doing thr same thing. Except, instead of just one psuedobulb being affected, I'm slowing having others infected. They just shrivel up. No other plant is showing signs of infection. I'm going to hope its just what you said, the plants in to large a pot.

Crossing my fingers!



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[mooburr]

Purple_phal_gal13
While cinnamon has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it also is a strong desiccant and will steal water from the roots.