Encouraging keikis/new roots from cut pseudobulbs?

[greengarden]

I lost almost an entire beautiful cattleya to fusarium very recently after my patio flooded. I turfed most of it and the only thing I was able to do was cut some of the pseudobulbs higher up without roots. So i have about a dozen nice green healthy looking pseudobulbs but all have cut ends with no roots. Is there any way i can encourage these pseudobulbs to put out either new roots or keikis? I don't have easy access to hormones, etc here before anyone suggests it.

[Stray59]

Wow greengarden:
You have an issue with this. A Cat with no roots can be difficult. The only area the roots will come out en masse will be at the new growth tips. I might suggest that you pack some peat moss under the tips and keep it damp in order to draw the roots out as quick as possible.
I really doubt that you can get enough roots quick enough to save the entire plant, but keep as many viable pseudobubls as you can until the new roots emerge, then you will probably have to cut off the oldest first.
It may not be convenient, but if you have an internet and postal service, you have access to any hormone and such that I have access to! Your shipping will add to the cost, but for something you really need, it will be worth it.
It seems someone had a thread about making your own kieki paste, but I am not sure.
Best of luck!
Steve

[WhiteRabbit]

Are there any new leads starting?

[tucker85]

I don't pot cattleyas with no roots. I suspend them in a vase or bottle with water in the bottom but not touching the orchid. This way the humidity is very high in the root area. I place them in a medium strength light, not too bright or too dark. I mist the plant about twice a week. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for new roots to start. When the roots start I pot the plant in the smallest pot I can fit it in. I often use hormones but it's not necessary.

[greengarden]

Thanks, I'll give it a try

[KultureShock]

Originally Posted by greengarden

I lost almost an entire beautiful cattleya to fusarium very recently after my patio flooded. I turfed most of it and the only thing I was able to do was cut some of the pseudobulbs higher up without roots. So i have about a dozen nice green healthy looking pseudobulbs but all have cut ends with no roots. Is there any way i can encourage these pseudobulbs to put out either new roots or keikis? I don't have easy access to hormones, etc here before anyone suggests it.

I would be willing to give you a vial of Keiki Paste free of charge if you would like to try it and see if it will work.
I'd have to charge you shipping but thats it.
I'd love to know that i had a hand in saving your cattleya,
Best regards,
Kevin Disher