New growth question

When new growth appears on orchid with psudobulbs, is it normal for the older pb's to shrink a little? I've noticed on all my orchids with new growth this happening. Is this normal or should I worry?

Nothing to worry about at all. Pseudobulbs will shrink and wrinkle with age, especially as new growth appears (they're transferring nutrients into the new growth). They'll even shrink during a long blooming period where they've been sustaining the flowers for a while. I've even seen the PBs of some types get almost totally dessicated-looking, as if they weren't getting any water or their roots were rotten. A quick unpotting showed that that wasn't the case, so the behavior seemed to be just typical for the type.

Just make sure you're watering regularly for your conditions and growth medium, and that the medium isn't soggy....

PHEW! I thought everything was about to go downhill. Thank goodness for you always easing my mind. I read the newsletter, it is really good . I couldn't find a way to subscribe so I know when there is a neww one though. Is it a monthly thing?

lol! I remember how things were when I started growing--the tiniest little thing on a plant changed for what I thought was the worst and I just went into a total panic! So I know how it is....

Thanks for the kudos on the newsletter. Yes, it is a monthly thing and you can subscribe to it by going to the "BUY" link. The newsletter subscription is under "news" on the right hand pane.

Glad I could help you feel relieved!!!