Please help my sick Cattleya

[Mik]

Hi all, please help with my problem. I bought this Cattleya cutting with no roots two weeks ago. When I bought it, the whole orchid was really green and healthy and I did not see even a little black spot. Last Friday, I noticed all the eyes became black. The black color seems to be spreading now. I already removed the covering of all the eyes so I am sure it is not the cover. I am not sure if it was because of watering but I was really careful with watering or maybe virus or bacteria? What can I do to save this or it can't be saved anymore because the black started from where the root grows and I just have to throw it away or cut it into individual bulb starting from the healthy tissue? Please help. Thank you all in advance.

[raybark]

Don't give up!

Personally, I'd immerse it for several hours in a good stimulant solution like KelpMax, let it dry off, then keep it - unpotted - in a shady, warm, 100% RH environment until new root tips emerge.

If you seal it in a plastic bag with some damp sphagnum to provide the moisture, don't let the moss come into contact with the plant at all.

[Mik]

Thank you Ray for your help but my main concern was the spreading of the black color which I think black rot?

[raybark]

Let it dry out. It probably happened due to contact with the damp moss.

If it continues to spread, use a knife blade to scrape it down to undamaged tissue, and then let that air dry for a day or two.

There's nothing to be in a huge rush about.

[zainal abidin]

Fingers crossed if you are lucky you will get back with the new keiki arise from the base of pseudobulb.

[Mik]

I really hope it will not die and would still have a keiki in the right time...fingers crossed. Thank you, Raybark and zainal.

[michellebrown500]

Any time I have tried to get Cattleyas to root in sphagnum moss, the same thing happens. they need humidity but no contact with damp moss, and sealed environments don't seem to work for me either. I have had some luck potting in clay pebbles, affixed to a stake just touching the top of the pebbles, and really sturdily affixed with the pot only half full.

[Mik]

Thank you, Michelle. Unfortunately, it died.

[michellebrown500]

yeah, lost a few that way myself. my condolences...