Having a quandary.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

The move to sh has gone well...mostly. The first two photos are of Cattleya alliance plants. As you can see they are doing well.




The last plant is also Cattleya, but has been struggling.







All three plants are in the same space with the same light, temps, and humidity. Anyone have a clue or suggestion?

[Ray]

That last plant does not look as robust as the others. I suggest planting it a small amount deeper, so the roots are surrounded by moist LECA.

[WaterWitchin]

Yeah, a smaller plant to begin with, so not quite as much "umph" (or as Ray says less robust) while it's making the transition.

Actually, they all look planted higher than I plant my Catts, although pictures can be deceiving. Not that I'm saying repot the larger ones, just making the statement. I plant mine a bit deeper. Especially when plants have new roots, I like to get a layer or so of LECA over top of roots. A caveat being I sometimes go a week without watering when I get sidetracked, so that top layer gets dried out but the newer roots are still in contact with moist LECA in the meantime. You may be more conscientious about keeping up with them.

For the littler one that appears to you not transitioning as well, I'd definitely get it further down from top layer of LECA.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Thanks. I guess I'll move it this weekend. Hoping the newest roots won't get damaged by the move. I'll keep y'all informed of the progress.

[estación seca]

There is a good chance you can nestle it lower while watering. Pick the pot up in your non-dominant hand, covering the drain holes with your palm. Fill the pot with water to the rim. A lot of LECA floats. Use your dominant hand to jiggle the plant lower in the pot. Allow the water to drain as you jiggle it down to a lower level.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by estación seca

There is a good chance you can nestle it lower while watering. Pick the pot up in your non-dominant hand, covering the drain holes with your palm. Fill the pot with water to the rim. A lot of LECA floats. Use your dominant hand to jiggle the plant lower in the pot. Allow the water to drain as you jiggle it down to a lower level.

Thanks ES. I had planned to do a complete repot so I could remove the algae that has coated the jar, but that is a great suggestion.

One thing for everyone; the newest plant has been treated with Inocucor (now switching to Quantum Total) since day one. No algae growth in the jar at all.

[estación seca]

I ignore algae.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

After following the advice to nestle the plant lower into the leca I have news to report. This little poorly adjusted cattleya has begun a growth explosion. I gave it a good soak in Kelpak and Quantum Total, then watered per my normal routine. I'm a little OCD and give the roots of my plants a little spritz of rainwater almost daily. Over the last couple weeks I have been watching the following. (Now if my other plant I have in ICU will follow suit...)




Thanks to everyone who made suggestions.
As for the large plant that seems to sit well above the leca, the position of the rhizome at the time of potting was sitting on the surface of the leca. It decided to grow that direction and I decided to leave it. Some of the oldest pbs are actually under the surface.

[Roberta]

For the little one, it might have been lowering, but it also might have just been that it reached its rooting time. Depending on parentage, different Catts and Catt hybrids have different times for growing and rooting.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Depending on parentage, different Catts and Catt hybrids have different times for growing and rooting.

Here