Problem w/ Division

[Phyrex]

I had just divided a plant before I went away on holidays for 3 weeks. When I returned the following sight greeted me. Since this is my first division I'm not sure what to do. Is this normal or could my division die completely. I've already removed the leaf (which subsequently turned black in a matter of 2 days) and I am monitoring the p-bulb that seems fine so far. What can I do to save this guy.

[Mehera]

Hi Richard. If you have removed the yellow leaves, I would unpot and look at the roots. For one thing, such a small division might do better in a tiny clay pot--the way it is, it has an awful lot of media around it for the size of the root structure. Looks kinda dicey, but it might pull out in fresh media, a small pot, and very careful watering. Good luck!

[wetfeet101b]

I agree with Mehera. That division looks way overpotted.
I would move it to a pot that is half or even 1/4th that size.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I agree with Mehera. That division looks way overpotted.
I would move it to a pot that is half or even 1/4th that size.

I agree with both Lynda and John on this on too. The roots are probably not getting the air they require from being too wet. Also, cattleyas like to be potted 'tight' into their pot. If you use a clay pot, it will help pull moisture away from the bark mix a bit faster than the plastic pot since clay is porous.

Cheers,
BD

[Phyrex]

I would definately agree about the size of the pot but it's the smallest size that I could squeeze the roots in, I've attached a picture of the root ball (the tray is 6" across).

The division was potted into fresh bark that I had soaked over night the day before I left on holidays. The remaining leaves on the plant are shrivelled from underwatering (for those 3 weeks) so I'm not entirely sure about the "too wet" part. I'm not trying to question your advice it's just that the facts don't point the way of being too wet.

Also the leaf that turned yellow and black is a p-bulb in the middle of the rhizome an there are healthy bulbs on either side of it.

Edit: BTW The pot in the first picture looks wet because I just watered it. I usually snap some pictures after watering.

[Gin]

Hi, the plant looks dehydrated you could un-pot it and lay it in a humid semi shaded area.Water as usual . If it produces a new growth and new roots then remove any roots that are not good and pot it . Gin

[bc_bareroots]

When I divide a cattleya I always cut away old, dead roots and cut back healthy roots to about 3". The dead roots do nothing for the plant and often begin to rot under the medium.

[Phyrex]

BC aren't you worried that cutting the healthy roots back might pick up some kind of virus or do you prune all the cuts with cinnamon or something?

I think I'm happy; it looks like a dormant eye is starting to swell

[Gin]

Yep! new growth .. I would leave it alone and let it do it's thing . Gin

[bc_bareroots]

BC aren't you worried that cutting the healthy roots back might pick up some kind of virus or do you prune all the cuts with cinnamon or something?

I think I'm happy; it looks like a dormant eye is starting to swell

I have a propane torch I use to sterilize my clippers with. I try to always sterilize them between plants. I also always use cinnamon on all cuts, including the root cuts.

I'd say that eye is no longer dormant!

BC