Rootless Encyclia Vitellina

[Jugyjoy]

Dear all,

Wondering if anyone would have some useful advice. I have just got a little Vitellina which I repotted and discovered almost all of its root system to be rotten. I cut out all that needed to be cut out and put it in bark. It now lives on my windowsill - north east (more N than E), no direct light, the weather mostly cloudy and temps probably not higher fhan 20C (68F). The poor thing is still wobbly and the leaves on the newest pseudobulb it had been growing are going somewhat yellow, the outer leaves in particular; these are drying out. As the plant is so fragile I dare not do anything much other than spray the top of the bark daily. I have been wondering if it would benefit from being placed somewhere warmer and a little brighter. Or what should I do.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[estación seca]

You can read about it as Prosthechea vitellina on orchidspecies.com. I read here about all new orchid species I contemplate buying so I don't pick something that won't do well in my conditions.

I haven't grown this because it is a cloud forest plant that likes very cool, misty night conditions, with somewhat warmer days.

I don't think you should have cut off any roots. You can't be sure which are alive and which dead. I never cut off roots. If they fall off on their own I let them.

Many orchid species form roots only at certain times of the year. They only make new roots from the most recent growth. So if there is no new growth for some time the plant struggles on a damaged root system.

I think your temperatures are appropriate. It isn't a warm growing plant.

Your hope is that the newest growth makes some roots soon. I would water it regularly. Keep it in the highest humidity possible. It likes being cool and humid at night.

[Roberta]

Also, stake the plant so it doesn't wobble. If new roots start to develop and the plant moves, those fragile new root tips can be easily damaged and stop growing. Then, patience. My E. vitellina is just now starting to put out new growth, so this is the time of year to expect it. (if you are in the northern hemisphere) You'll want it damp but not sopping wet. (I grow mine mounted, but my conditions are likely different than yours. Where are you located?

[Jugyjoy]

Bless you, Roberta. I’m in Northern Europe, cool and misty for sure!