Chewed p-bulb - possible culprits?

[Stray59]

Again, very possible. I think another placement would help!
Steve

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Stray59

Could it be grasshopper or cricket damage? I note some small divots eaten into the sides of the leaves, and some grasshoppers will 'shear' plant tissue off, somewhat like what is on the pseudobulb. The little verticle scallops look so much like a leaf chewing insect. Have you tried setting it on a sticky trap also, then any bug that walks across it, may give you a sample of what is "visiting' your plant!
Steve

can't rule out hoppers either

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

This appears most likely to be rodent damage and the genus depends on where the plant is located. From experience, I would first suspect rats or mice, followed by tree or ground squirrels. Do not count out rabbits either if the plant is near the ground.

CL

thanks - I'm guessing if a rodent, which seems likely from replies, a mouse seems most likely - this was setting on a small shelf with some quite small orchids, the chewed pbulb facing the back - anything bigger than a mouse I would think would have knocked over others

Well, this is a first for me

[JKostell]

Grasshoppers and cicadas are elusive culprits that can do fast and extensive damage. Snails can leave holes. I had squirrels coming in thru a hole in our screen and plant nuts in my orchids. I kept blaming the poor dog for my dug-up and destroyed orchids. She has hated squirrels ever since and hunts them!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by JKostell

Grasshoppers and cicadas are elusive culprits that can do fast and extensive damage. Snails can leave holes. I had squirrels coming in thru a hole in our screen and plant nuts in my orchids. I kept blaming the poor dog for my dug-up and destroyed orchids. She has hated squirrels ever since and hunts them!

Aw poor doggy

[Miri the Wildmage]

You dont have a cat do you? i hear they sometimes nibble on orchids, and they would be agile enough not to knock over others.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Miri the Wildmage

You dont have a cat do you? i hear they sometimes nibble on orchids, and they would be agile enough not to knock over others.

Indoors only cat, plant was outside ... tho there are neighbors' cats around. Where this plant was, I don't know that an animal as large as a cat could get to it without at least knocking over things...
But can't say it's impossible. Other orchids out there would be much easier to get to, but this one does have the fattest pbulbs. But I also have catnip plants out there - I know at least one neighbor cat who adores those

The problem now, that chewed pbulb may be sick... I had treated it with H2O2 and after that cinnamon, but seems too be getting some rot I've treated a couple more times with H2O2... keeping my eye on it. Plant has spikes, so I am hoping to avoid un-potting it, if I can.

[Leafmite]

Use isopropyl alcohol instead of peroxide. It doesn't work well on plant virus but knocks out fungus and rot quite effectively without harming orchids. Hope you save it!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Use isopropyl alcohol instead of peroxide. It doesn't work well on plant virus but knocks out fungus and rot quite effectively without harming orchids. Hope you save it!

thanks for the tip - I'll give that a try!