Wrinkly pseudobulb

[psychosquirrel]

Hi all!

I'm new to the whole orchid growing thing, but have been fascinated by the plants for as long as i can remember.

i finally broke down and bought my first orchid about 3 weeks ago. it's Colmanara Wildcat 'Bobcat.' When i repotted it after getting it home (lots of salt buildup on the bark) i saw the the roots were in less than good condition, and had to trim a bunch of them off. Repotted in sphag and bark after a thorough dusting of cinamon, and hoped for the best. The newest pseudobulb started to wrinkle within a few days of this, and still hasn't plumped back up. i've been misting the leaves in the morning and have the plant sitting on a humidity tray of sorts (made from lab supplies, but it works). i'm also not seeing any signs of new root growth. Should i be concerned yet? Is there anything i should do to help it along, or am i still at the 'cross your fingers' stage with it?

i'm going to try to attach a picture of the wrinkly bulb, my apologies if it doesn't work!

thanks for the advice!

[clintdawley]

This particular grex will produce new roots from a new growth that is about half mature. It's a waiting game at this point.

[psychosquirrel]

sad. i guess i'll just wait and hope then. is there anything i should be particularly careful of to keep it happier?

[nicki]

Did you sprinkle the cinnamon on the roots?

[psychosquirrel]

yes, the roots got a thorough dusting of cinnamon.

[clintdawley]

I'd keep the humidity high but the plant slightly on the dry side until new roots are formed. Not completely bone dry...but do allow it to get drier than you usually would.

sad. i guess i'll just wait and hope then. is there anything i should be particularly careful of to keep it happier?

[nicki]

It was my understanding that cinnamon is bad for roots, it will stop growth. But it's ok to use the cinnamon to seal cut leaves & stems. Hopefully someone else can confirm this for you.

[orchidlady]

Yes, it is better not to use cinnamon on roots, tends to dry them out and inhibit growth.

Susan

[smwboxer]

Yes, cinnamon and roots do not mix. The very reason you put it on a damaged leaf is why you would not put it on roots.

[psychosquirrel]

good to know. it has had a couple of drenchings since then, when the medium under the bark was dry. hopefully, this would reverse the drying power of cinnamon by mostly washing it away, while retaining the anti-microbial properties....