Strange Psychopsis Rot

[Suncoast]

I have a Psychopsis papilio mounted on coco fiber that keeps nearly dying, then resurrects. Looking for alternative treatment.

It originally had 6 leaved pseudobulbs plus a few pseudobulbs without leaves and a single spike. Then a rot hit and two pseudobulbs were rotten with a very smelly rot. I cut them out, washed with Rubbing Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide and left it in a dryer location. All but 1 leaf quickly fell off, and I left it hanging under my Phal plant stand. Despite this location it still received occasional sprays of Ban-Rot, Captan, and once SA-20, but almost no watering. After dropping it's last leaf, I found more rot and cleaned it up again. Then I ignored it for the rest of the Summer. Then in late August it shot out 2 new growths. I was quite surprised, as I thought it was dead. I figured it must be happy with it's location, so I left it alone except the chemical sprays with everything else. But again, the rot has hit, and all the new growth is dead.

So, how can I ignore a plant with such a desire to survive? It's not particularly valuable, and I have no desire to get crazy with it. I just thought I would throw it out there to see if anyone had any suggestions? Thanks.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I have a Psychopsis papilio mounted on coco fiber that keeps nearly dying, then resurrects. Looking for alternative treatment.

It originally had 6 leaved pseudobulbs plus a few pseudobulbs without leaves and a single spike. Then a rot hit and two pseudobulbs were rotten with a very smelly rot. I cut them out, washed with Rubbing Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide and left it in a dryer location. All but 1 leaf quickly fell off, and I left it hanging under my Phal plant stand. Despite this location it still received occasional sprays of Ban-Rot, Captan, and once SA-20, but almost no watering. After dropping it's last leaf, I found more rot and cleaned it up again. Then I ignored it for the rest of the Summer. Then in late August it shot out 2 new growths. I was quite surprised, as I thought it was dead. I figured it must be happy with it's location, so I left it alone except the chemical sprays with everything else. But again, the rot has hit, and all the new growth is dead.

So, how can I ignore a plant with such a desire to survive? It's not particularly valuable, and I have no desire to get crazy with it. I just thought I would throw it out there to see if anyone had any suggestions? Thanks.

I'd guess that the rot is caused by lack of air movement. I know a psychopsis needs to stay moist, but the roots must also be allowed to breath and the p-bulbs and leaves need to dry off. Glad yours is determined to live. These sure produce pretty orchid blooms.

cheers,
BD