NewHorizonOrchids.com

Hi, I'm new here.

One of my cyms started to show some signs of rotting about 2 weeks ago.

When I first got it, it had 3 bulbs that were loosely attached to the other 5 big bulbs

The trouble started with signs of yellowing leaves on the loosely attached bulbs, 2 mature ones, the leaves started falling off one by one, in an interval of couple of days between each, until the bulbs had no leaves left. (the entire leaf would get yellow, then dry brown then fall off). After the leaves would fall off, the bulb would turn to brownish yellow dry color at the bottom, then I'd twist it, remove it, throw it away, and then spray it with hydrogen peroxide.

All my cyms are placed outside, and has been in the same place for the last 5 months. they receive about 5 hours of sunlight. It is planted in bark/perlite mix. I water once a week and making sure it was flushed thoroughly.


Thank you in advance,
Scarlet

Hello Scarlet, first of all a big welcome to the forum, hope you learn a lot here.

I would say the plant you mention, might have already had a bacterial or fungal infection when you got it.

Are the other 5 bigger pseudobulbs looking OK at this point?

Thank you for your swift response. When I first got it, it seemed healthy. I was wondering if it was due to my watering. The 5 pseudobulbs are goners. They smelled so I had to throw them away. Here’s what’s remaining. Is it still possible to save or is it gone for good?

Sadly, it's a goner!

You are not alone, all growers will experience a problem plant like that from time to time. I show no mercy - if a plant looks unwell, it goes in the bin.

As the others say, it’s a goner. The plant has phytopthora, a water borne disease. Usually from the plant being overwatered and too wet.

Watch the plants that were beside this one too, as it spreads quite easily.

Bummer! To the bin it goes. I’ll be watching my other plants closely but so far no sign of rot. I’ll be disinfecting the area too

Sadly it sounds like it had the problem when you got it. If you can source some Rid-a-Rot, spray that on the surrounding plants (helps to kill phytopthora). Also try to maintain good ventilation.

Yes, very likely Phytophthora. Never stand plants on a concret floor, always ste them up on a block to avoid cross contamination. I am unfortunately unable to recommend a treatment as different countries have different availabilities so a local input is invaluable.

I have it benched up outside. I'm worried about splashes of water and 2 plants may be compromised.

Rid a rot seems to be only available down under. I've searched for other similar fungicides and I found Physan 20. It says it's a fungicide, algaecide and viricide and treats a broad range of pathogens including Phytophthora