Cattleya evolution

[clintdawley]

I agree with the advice you've been given based on the pictures.

Yes, Connie. Some catts are stubborn and make a sheath and then wait a LONG time...The sheath dries up and turns papery brown...you forget about it...then BAM! You notice little buds poking out of the dried up thing...

Not all catts are like this..but some are.

[Phyrex]

I've removed the sheath. Should I treat it with anything or just let it dry out?

[wetfeet101b]

Oh wow. That looked much worse than I thought.
That black color on the spike looks like a fungal infection working its way down.
It looks like you cut it just in time

As a precaution, apply some disinfectant (physan 20 or similar product) on the spot where you cut the spike and the sheath.
Cinnamon powder also works.
If you dont want to apply disinfectant, just keep the section dry so that it will dry out by itself and seal the wound.

You might have to make it a regular regimen to cut away the old flower sheaths on that plant once the flowers are done.

~John

[clintdawley]

John is right. That does look nasty. If you have any powdered sulfur, you can use that as well to "seal to wound". At the very least, do apply the cinnamon to dry it out.

Watch the catt carefully for progression of the disease down the p-bulb. If that happens, you may have to cutt of the entire p-bulb.

[Phyrex]

Thanks you guys.

The very bottom of the sheath is still green, and the part I've cut has browned (dried) partially already. I'd have to get some cinnamon first. Still just expanding my orchid related tools and accessories.

How would I see it progress down the p-bulb? And if it does continue do I just cut under the p-bulb or cut the complete part with all the dormant eyes off too?

Sorry for all the questions, you're dealing with a real n00b here.
I've just asked the local orchid society if I could hang out in their greenhouse for a day to observe some of the techniques like repotting. I figured it would instantly improve my knowledge.

[wetfeet101b]

If the infection has reached the pseudobulb, you would see the leaf junction turning black or mushy as well.
Hopefully, you caught it in time and the pseudobulb is ok.

But if you need to cut the pseudobulb, try to cut it just above the highest segment line below the pseudobulb. This way, any dormant eyes can still stay with the plant.

You do not want any fungal or bacterial infection to make it down to the rhizome. Once it makes it down there, it will spread rapidly through the entire plant.
But since you are keeping a close eye on this plant, I doubt that it will make it that far.

Wet conditions and stagnant air encourages fungal activity so try to keep the plant on the dry side for now, just to be on the safe side.

[Phyrex]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on it. I have it on a watering regime for every 5 days in medium bark. The cutting has already become hard (7pm).
I'm stupid not to have asked about the blackening of the spike before. My phal spike turned a nice brown and dried, I should have known better.

[Phyrex]

Rotting spike issue
I think we might be out of the woods already. On the first picture you can see that whatever is still left of the sheath has dried completely and the crown of the leaf is looking nice and green.

Pseudobulb question
What does the fact that the dormant eyes seem to be splitting open mean? See pictures 2 and 3.
In picture 2 I've circled one of the dormant eyes that's still covered by the old wrap, would it help if I'd remove it in terms of trying to make it grow into a p-bulb or does the plant just keep them for future purposes when there are fewer dormant eyes left?

Roots question
In the last picture you can see the white specks on the roots. What are these and what should I do about them? I can't usually see them it only right after I water the plants.

Thanks.

[Aleksa]

I think that everything is ok, and you should not worrie! Those white things are normal on catt and phal roots. And I suggest you not to touch that cover on the dormant eye because you may harm it. Those buds will grow through the cover if they want, and removing it won't make them grow...

[clintdawley]

The little slits or whatever you call them are the beginning of the eye "wake up". Keep us posted on them--they should start to grow soon.