Purple coloration on cattleya rhizome.

[Cattleya231117]

Hi everyone. I just noticed this purple coloration on the rhizome of the newest growth of my cattleya. Its been here for a while and i am wondering if its fusarium. Please let me know what this is. Thank you all so much for your time.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I don't think so. But your Cattleya is very dehydrated looking with not much roots.

Welcome to the board.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I agree, it is unlikely to be Fusarium, and the plant is dehydrated, with few roots.

A treatment to try that could improve it's condition, try trying the plant to a wooden mount, with some sphagnum moss, or similar material, between the wood and the plant.

Mauritius seems like a place that should have good rainfall, so hang that wood mount outdoors in the shade in a place where it will be rained on frequently (maybe to a tree?). Often plants that I have treated this way recover fairly quickly, producing new growths that make new roots.

[Cattleya231117]

To Orchid whisperer and No-Pro-mwa : yes thank you. I got this orchid and it was very sick. It just had black rot and all the roots died. Now am trying Semi water culture because of all the sucess stories on my Facebook group. The only healthy group seems to grow towards it. As for mounting it i cant because of where my house is. What do you think is a good idea?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have tried the mount rescue method before and just grown it where I can, wetting the moss when it dries, using good quality water (aim for dissolved solids under 100 ppm). I have even done this indoors. I think it works better outdoors, but it does work indoors.

I have never tried water culture with Cattleyas. I would think that would not work, but others here may have different opinions.

[Cattleya231117]

Alright I might try that, ill need to get a good mount though. Anything i need to about the wood type or something?
Its not full watee culture its semi. Its like semi hydroponics in a way. The constant moisture will instigate root growth. Just need to be patient i guess.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Cattleya231117

Alright I might try that, ill need to get a good mount though. Anything i need to about the wood type or something?
Its not full watee culture its semi. Its like semi hydroponics in a way. The constant moisture will instigate root growth. Just need to be patient i guess.

I'm not familiar with the types of wood available to you in Mauritius. In general, the wood for a mount should be non-toxic and non-resinous, or if resinous, it should be somewhat weathered. For a more permanent mount, I look for a wood that is not prone to rot. Cedar is often used in the USA (I use weathered cedar).

For a "rescue mount" I may not need it to last more than a year or two. So, even woods that can rot easily I can use (I have used poplar, which is soft and will rot).

With Cattleyas, my experience with damaged roots together with constant moisture, is that the roots die. Better to alternate wetting and drying.

[AnonYMouse]

I used to grow Cattleyas in semi-hydro and they did well but mine had roots. Are there roots starting in the pictures? If so, this would be the time to plant them in S/H. I'm not sure what is involved in semi-water but you will have to stabilize the plant until more roots grow (rhizome clips).

Do you have tree fern? That is my preferred mount. I purchase them cut into pieces so I'm not sure what is done to prepare them. I guess the material is harvested from the trunk.

How different is your environment from Isle de la Reunion? I saw orchids sprouting next to roads there. And of course, the ideal climate for Vanilla!

[Roberta]

I think I see little green root tips in the last photo. So this would be the time to mount . Make sure that the growing part is next to the mount. With Catts, I suggest not using any moss - my experience is that they do much better quickly establishing on the mount when it's bare. Your humidity is high enough that I think it will be fine once it gets going. If the wood has rough bark that doesn't peel off easily, that is ideal. Make sure that it is tied very firmly - it must not wobble, or root tips will get damaged and it won't adhere. I use nylon fish line, but florist wire is good too. Even old panty-hose can be used. Once the new roots grab the mount, in a year or two you can remove the ties.

[Cattleya231117]

Hi Roberta. Thank you for your advice. What type of wood should i use? Can i use a random 2x4?