what is wrong w my catasetum?

[kindrag23]

This is my millenium witch craft and I noticed it was yellowing on the cane and the new growth is this sun burn? Or something worse?

[james mickelso]

You may have started watering it too soon. It looks like it has some sort of fungus on the roots causing the contorted leaves. The cane will yellow due to age. It is last years growth and it's starches and sugars are being used by the new growth. It is not photosynthesizing any more. It's the bank for the new growth. Two separate things going on here. Use a systemic fungicide on it.

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:23 PM ----------

Also catasetums can't be given enough water. Water them copiously.

[kindrag23]

If I am out of a systemic fungicide is there anything else I can use?

---------- Post added at 07:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:25 PM ----------

It also just started this within 3 days I have been watering it since it had 6 roots at 5 inches and a growth of 4. What type of sustemic would u suggest?

[james mickelso]

Any type you can get. I like the Bayer 3 in 1 or Bayer Complete. Go to the Sunset Valley Orchids website. He's the authority on catasetums. He's probably answer you.

---------- Post added at 07:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:35 PM ----------

Oh! Did you un-pot this for the winter? They like to be un-potted for their rest and repotted when the new roots start growing. No over wintering bad guys that way.

[kindrag23]

I allowed it to dry well and then trimmed up all the dead visible roots. And fungus sprayed them right before they went to sleep. Then once I saw really great roots and growth repotted and disinfected them. Then placed back in clean pots. It could possibly be sun burn...I had it in a hanging vanda basket. At the top of my little greenhouse.....may have gotten WAY TO MUCH mid day sun.

I took it out cleaned it up and watered it in a aspirin water 1 baby 80mg aspirin to 1/2 gallon of water. I placed it in a north west? Gets great early morning sun w good air flow sitting IN the actual window. Hopefully I can get a systemic on Monday...joys of finals and being a busy college student....not.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Kindra judging by that spot on the left leave second pic,I would say definitely some sunburn damage was done. They like bright light in active growth, but you can't place them to midday sun at this early stage of growth, I do provide them only with evening direct sun, and in summer bright but filtered. I do not think you did start watering too early, the new growth looks quite big already. Good you moved it, hope it won;t get worse:-(

[james mickelso]

Sounds like you did it right. Time will tell how it will respond. Take a look at that Sunset Valley orchid sight. He's the master with catasetums.

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Sounds like you did it right. Time will tell how it will respond. Take a look at that Sunset Valley orchid sight. He's the master with catasetums.

Oh I have 2 of his and his page saved on my toolbar. lol. Yeah I feel like an idiot now I really do think it could be sunburn. I moved this one away from the other to be safe. But As you have both said time will tell.

---------- Post added at 09:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------

And while this is tacky to say....If this one dies at least I can find it cheap on other websites....unlike the mormode I have from SVO and my Big after dark.

[james mickelso]

He shows up regularly at my clubs meetings and previews new talks he will give around the country. He's great. He brings some new crosses too which just wow us all. After dark is so cool.

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

He shows up regularly at my clubs meetings and previews new talks he will give around the country. He's great. He brings some new crosses too which just wow us all. After dark is so cool.

I have a black after dark and a colorful after dark. I am in love with both of them.