Cattleya dowiana

[Teena]

Gorgeous, worth all the stress and angst of the dreaded rot. I hope you can save the rest of the plant from further rotting because it so beautiful. - martha

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Such a stunning cattleya, Nat! Well done!

cheers,
BD

[Cjcorner]

Gorgeous blooms! I hope you will be able to save the plant. I'm sure you may have tried cinnamon already? I have cut pbulbs, flush thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide until no more bubbling, then I rub cinnamon onto the cut area and reapply every couple days for about a week. I was able to stop the rot recently with that method. Of course I also spray with a systemic fungicide as well all over the plant. And when rot is spreading I also rub cinnamon on the other leaves and pbulbs by hand. With the heat lately i've been fighting rot too. I'm not sure which is worse this year...rot or bugs. They are running neck and neck at my house since the storm.

[Nataliwind]

Thank you everyone! Thanks a lot!!

Gorgeous blooms! I hope you will be able to save the plant. I'm sure you may have tried cinnamon already?

Sure I did... unfortunately, cinnamon does not prevent so called "dowiana rot". I used peroxide how Chadwick describes in his book about Classic Cattleyas (p. 235), I used systemic fungicide, I used many other things. Anyway, the rot slowed down. I don't think this Cattleya has many chances but I will do my best. As for me, I see this bloom as a big success anyway. The plant did not die yet!

[Nataliwind]

Gorgeous !! What do you plan to do with it now? If possible try and get Potassium phosphite (not Phosphate) It is a systemic fungicide and a good source of both potassium and phosphorus. It is well known to combat black rots in other plants but I have never seen it being used for orchids.

Thank you Amey! I will cut the central pseudobulb = make two small division. I will report what happens.

[gardenguysorchids]

I LOVE this thread! Congratulations. I love stories of people refusing to give up and this is a perfect example. I love this orchid and have been trying to get one but keep getting out-bid on it. I need to take a lesson from you and persevere---and most likely open my wallet a bit wider--OUCH! LOL. Congratulations on a job well done and the reward of such beautiful blooms. I have a feeling it is thanking you for the great care and giving it a chance to live and bloom. Great lesson on never giving up on anything worhwhile--people to orchids to what ever is important to you. Well done, Nathalie! Thanks for the reminder to keep on bidding --I mean trying! LOL

[Nataliwind]

Bill,
thank you so much for the wonderful words!! You and all OT friends who supported me in this thread made my day!

[otis226]

What a wonderful thread, Natali! Not only in showing your perseverance and great skill in bringing this plant to such a beautiful bloom, but so informative and educational they way you documented it all in pictures. Thank You, and I hope this lovely plant turns around for you. I have a little dowiana, and forgot how lovely the blooms could be, when well grown.
Best,
Tony

[Nataliwind]

Thank you Tony!
I am glad you like the thread.
I should add that I used a fungicide for injured pseudobulb every second day (any spray fungicide you can buy in a garden store or department) and applied Superthrive Vitamin & Hormone twice for all the period since sheaths first appeared till bloom.


I have 5 dowianas in my collection: this one , C. dowiana var. rosita (another Black Rot survivor, remaining 2-bulb division), C. aurea (should bloom next year), C. dowiana Chrysotoxa (in sheath) and C. dowiana (Costa Rica) in bud. The last one is a young plant with two buds on spike and should bloom very soon, probably next week.

[orchidsal]

Whatever happens I am sure you will always remember the sick Cattleya that bloomed so beautifully for you. Hope it regains full health. AL