Ctsm Nicole smile issues
 

I received this plant in the mail 2 days ago. It looked to be in good condition upon arrival. I smoothly didn't check the roots though, but it was completely green.

Now it looks like the photo with yellowing leaves and I checked the roots, not great, but some white ones still. I swabbed the back of the here's for spider mites and did not see signs.

Upon arrival, I watered and placed in a shady spot outside. It has been really hot the last few days. Could that be the reason? If it came from a greenhouse that was a bit cooler?

Roots look fine to me. I doubt very much your temps are the problem. Maybe just shock from being sent to your house? Who knows how long it was wrapped up in a box and the yellow could be from shipping damage.

---------- Post added at 02:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 PM ----------

Also, I would get some stronger sunlight on it. They love it, just expose it slowly to the sun over time. Unless you know how bright it was growing at the old place. Then try to replicate that light.

So, basically it should be ok and treat as normal?

I had it in the shade to help reduce shock from unpacking. Then slowly move with the others. They get full sun until noon or 1. Then full shade from the house.

Yes, I would treat as normal. Your conditions sound pretty good for Catasetums!

They were good, until this heat wave. They all ended up with spots of sunburn. I am wondering how the intensity is changing as the summer progresses.

Nice thing about Catasetums... ugly insults like toasted leaves go away in the fall when leaves drop.And old roots will die anyway, that is just what these do. It basically reinvents itself in the spring.

I completely agree. Also with today leaves I know they've gotten enough light and should put on a nice display in the fall.

It's good to push sun on plants with deciduous leaves. They tell you when it's too much, and they will grow better for it.

Mook ...... when I first got a catasetum type orchid - potted in 100% sphagnum, I watered the sphagnum - but didn't have a 'reference' - as in how much water should be added each time, and when.

I noticed yellowing of leaves - just like in your case. I then needed to unpot, as you did - to check roots. The roots were still 'ok'. I then pryed apart sphagnum and roots to allow for a bit of a dry-out and airing. I then piled everything (as-is) back into a bigger pot (and even popped some scoria on the bottom and sides of the slightly bigger pot). Leaves made a full recovery. The yellow portions of my leaves returned to green.

I basically reported to the seller my experience, and he mentioned that I did the right thing (ie. the treatment or fix - ie. airing).

It certainly is possible to get media too wet. In my opinion - my interpretation of too wet is ----- if catasetum roots aren't adapted to watery conditions - or lower oxygen conditions, then the roots can take the same path as roots of other orchid types ------ as in take a down-turn in health. Aka dying and rotting.

If you do clearly see rotting in among the roots, or the beginnings of dying and rotting - including leaf yellowing at times when not expected to be yellowing - then trust your instincts. Respond or react appropriately.

The yellowing of your leaves are at a more advanced stage than mine were. But if you do what you can to treat the situation - then the plant can still continue growing as usual.

Also mook - I'm assuming your orchid isn't toward the end of the growing season - ie. not getting toward dormancy time.