Is it wise to cut off old wrinkled Cattleya leaves?
 

I have a Cattleya Orchid that I received as a gift about 2 years ago. Within a week of its arrival, the flowers dropped off and the leaves started turning black! Unsure what to do, I cut off all the black leaves and repotted. The plant did nothing for about 6 months but I was finally rewarded with a tiny new shoot! Almost 2 years later, I now have 4 shoots but none are taller than 3". The plant still has 3 of the original leaves but these are very skinny and wrinkled. They are about 12" tall. I was wondering if it would be best to cut off all 3 of the original leaves to promote more growth of the small leaves? I water and fertilize weekly. I know that patience is a virtue (especially with orchids) but my husband is starting to think I'm crazy babying this plant along!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

While they may appear unattractive, the plant is still using them. Otherwise they would have dropped of a long time ago. Just leave them alone and eventually when the plant is done with them they'll completely dry up and drop off.

Sounds like your orchid is not getting enough moisture. Could be from not enough watering or possible root rot.

Have you checked the condition of the roots?
Also, I would like to hear about your growing conditions, photos are always great :)

Well your not crazy! Tell your hubby it's all about LOVE :evil: :biggrin:

OH needs educating! Orchids are the most important thingas in the world apart from our children! The folk on here are a fund of info, keep the faith! Judi

Sorry but I don't have a digital camera for a picture! I have it in an east window where it gets quite a bit of afternoon sun. I water once a week only when it is dry. I know that I don't overwater as I'm afraid of root rot. That was the initial problem with the plant as I cut off alot of black roots when I repotted. Could be not enough water. Would it be of benefit to mist it? If so, how often? It is fed Schultz Orchid Food (19-31-17) once a week. Thanks so much for your responses!

Cindy, I hate to say this, but in the end it is only you that can determine how to water or treat your plants. I have deterimed in my indoor (dry) conditions with plentious light, my Cats, Brassias, Oncidium class, etc. get watering every third day with RO water that has fertilizer (MSU mix) balanced to 125ppm Nitogen. I never flush the plants as I always totally submerge them in the solution. This works for me - not for others. My point is we can all offer advice, but in the end you will have to determine your best case scenario and go from there. Ask more questions if we can help further zero in on your best case scenario. :)

Great post Ross!

Cindy, as for the misting, I personally don't mist as I see NO benefit that comes from it. Unless of course you have orchids in terrariums.

Catts do like to dry out inbetween waterings, the questions is .... How long between the waterings is your plant dried out?
Do you use a BBQ wooden skewer as a guide?
At what strengh are you using the fertilizers?
While we're here, LOL, what kinda media do you have this 'chid in?

I think you plant is just being kept drier then it would like to be - fertilizers will only add to the damage.

I have noticed that it does not dry out as quickly with the air conditioner on. I will use a wooden skewer from now on and water more frequently if needed. I feed weekly with Schultz Orchid Food (19-31-17) at a rate of 1.5g of food per 4L of water. I have it planted in an Orchid Mix that I bought at Walmart. It is mostly bark. Should I not feed as often? Just wondering what you meant by 'if your plant is drier than it likes, fertilizer will only add to the damage.' Is this the reason that the new growth is so small? I feel like a real amateur right now!!!!! Thanks for all your responses!

Cindy,

Don't feel bad about anything, we ALL learn as we go. We gotta start somewhere :D
Fertilizers are not bad for plants, in fact they can help growth rate and thicken newer growths.
If you going to fertilize regularly then quarter doses of feed would probably be better since accumulated salts will build.

I'm thinking smaller growth would be due less moisture or watering of your plant. I've seen this in my own 'chids.

I think you are wise to add the skewer, I think you will find this very helpful.
I would back off the feeding for alittle while, few weeks of flushing with just water alone will do much good.
Check on the roots and see what kinda condition their in and make sure your orchid mix is not broken down, catts do need moisture but also alot of air inside their mixes.

Keep in touch :D

Cindy, First of all I think the fertilizer you are using, is for fall feedings, and you may find an orchid fertilizer with a higher first number (nitrogen) more beneficial to your plant. Secondly, orchids generally don't like AC. It dries the air out too much. Do you have a tree, with filtered sunlight that you could hang your orchid under in the warm part of the year? Get a good, inexpensive, orchid book on Cats from Amazon or eBay. Good luck, and cut no leaves off.:idea: