Cattleya with black spots on pseudobulbs

[Newuser1582]

Hi I am new to keeping orchids and my Cattleya has just developed these brown spots on the pseudobulbs. Does anyone know what’s wrong with it or how I can treat it? Thank you in advance.

[rbarata]

I wouldn't worry about it. Those sheaths start green but they dry with time. They are just a protection for the pbulb's living tissues. Some people even remove it 'cause they may hide some pests (I don't do it 'cause I like a natural look on my plants. Also pests are just a natural consequence of growing any plants).

[Shadeflower]

Treatment is simple, you peel those dry leayers away.
It shows there are some fungal spores in the substrate but a healthy plant won't be bothered, only dead material will get a few black spots. Like rbarata says most don't worry about it. If you peel the sheaths off wrong then you can end up damaging grows that might be hiding underneath.

It helps to have the right tools, some nail scissors to cut the sheaths into strands and a tooth pick to get into tight corners but if you don't discard the substrate and start with fresh then there will always perpetually be spores in your growing space. Most people just resign to living with them and don't bother to keep them out of the growing area.

[Roberta]

I'd just ignore the spots for now. Don't rush to peel those pseudobulb sheaths off - let them get completely dry. I get the spots pretty often, they don't seem to do any harm.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I don't peel off the dried sheaths. Sunburn is a risk here, and they protect the plants. Other people may not have as much sun as I do.