Need advise on rescuing rootless Lc. Star Parade 'Volcano Queen'

[Zoi2]

This really just shows the orchid's will to survive.
Here in middle America, our humidity is pretty much zip untill June-Sept, so no I did not really give the plant a "breather". I would imagine in Florida you would not need the additional humidity if you used a small fluted type water container as it should hold enough close to the plant.
Good luck with your baby.
Joann

[Orchidreamer]

Is that brown pbulb in the back mushy?

This September, I got a sad little Cattleya trianae that had no roots at all, not even any stubs. I just placed it in a 2" pot with park, and placed it in a shady spot. I soaked it in KLN for 1 hour the first time, and I watered once a week with KLN. I don't know if it's due to the hormones, but the new growths are nowhere near mature yet they're putting out roots like crazy.

This is what it looks like today:





So, don't give up! You'll be surprised at how resilient catts are!

[NewBloom]

Zootrophion,

The 2 brown pbulbs are indeed soft. I have delayed in removing them in the hopes they have some energy/nutritional value value to the plant. I'm not sure if I should wait or simply remove them now.

Your plant's roots look great. You did an amazing job reviving it! I love reading 'rescue stories' and seeing the results of a caring grower.

I hope I'll be able to have such a story to such with this little one.

[Orchidreamer]

If the bulbs are soft and brown, then they're dead, and it's better to remove them just in case a fungus takes hold and spreads to the rest of the plant. You were right about storing nutrients--a leafless bulb that's still green and firm should be left on the plant. If the rhizome (the horizontal part that holds all the pbulbs together) is firm and not soft, then you don't have to cut off any part of the rhizome.

I really hope yours makes it! It takes time and patience.

[NewBloom]

The plant kicked the bucket yesterday. Thank you all for your advice.

[Zoi2]

Originally Posted by NewBloom

The plant kicked the bucket yesterday. Thank you all for your advice.

Sorry to hear that.
Now the best medicine is to get another one
Joann

[Orchidreamer]

Oh no, sorry to hear that! My first 2-3 rootless rescue catts didn't survive either. But then I bought more catts to make myself feel better.

[Becca]

New Bloom, the best time to switch a plant to a new type of potting medium, especially to s/h culture is when it has active and new root growth. I know that the plant not having any roots is probably what did your plant in....but perhaps you will have better luck if you start with a healthy plant in the spring when they are actively growing roots so the new roots will tailor themselves to s/h culture...of course all the old roots will die off that are not adapted to the s/h. Don't give up....try again with another plant in the spring!

[NewBloom]

Thanks for the kind sentiments. Only orchid people would appreciate what it's like. And it just so happens that a friend surprised me with a gift catt last weekend and it's now blooming.

Zootrophion, what type of bark are you using in the pictures above and where did you buy it? It looks great in the photos.

[DelawareJim]

It looks like standard orchid bark which is usually Douglas Fir bark. I use it and have been quite happy with it. I've found it sold under the brands "Tropical Forest" or "Better-Gro", available at most good garden centers or Lowes and Home Depot.

In my orchid society, everyone is raving about "Orchiata" the brand name for New Zealand pine (Pinus radiata) bark. It's supposed to last longer than fir bark and west coast growers claim their orchids grow noticeably better in it.

Cheers.
Jim