Howeara lava burst, rot or something else?

[iSoup]

I have had this one for a couple of months now. I keep it by an east-facing window and water it by flushing it thoroughly once a week. It lost a smaller leaf or two since I brought it home, but I figured that could be from the shock of moving it from its cozy greenhouse. I’m in Michigan so it’s cool (low 60s at night and mid/high 60s during the day) and dry right now. I just noticed the bottom of its largest pseudobulb has become soft and brown. I can’t smell much if anything coming from it (maybe slightly musty).

What would you all advise? I am thinking of repotting it, removing the brown material, and maybe dosing it with some peroxide.

[Roberta]

Repotting for sure, and if you can remove that rotted pseudobulb without dividing the plant in two, proably a good idea. No peroxide (especially anywhere near the roots). A dusging of cinnamon on the cut (keeping it off the roots) may help the wound to dry up and has some antifungal properties.

[iSoup]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Repotting for sure, and if you can remove that rotted pseudobulb without dividing the plant in two, proably a good idea. No peroxide (especially anywhere near the roots). A dusging of cinnamon on the cut (keeping it off the roots) may help the wound to dry up and has some antifungal properties.

Thanks for the reply. So you think it is some kind of rot for sure? Just clarifying since I am somewhat new to keeping orchids.

[Roberta]

If it is squishy, I would suspect a rotting pseudobulb. If it's black and squishy, then even more likely. But it could just be an old pseudobulb on its way out. In which case, let nature take its course. You might just keep an eye on it, and see in what direction, if any, the problem progresses and then proceed as needed. Orchids don't usually do things fast... observation is a powerful tool!

[estación seca]

That looks like a Cattleya to me. How big is that pot?