Twisted catt

[Yiu Lin]

Hi all,
I have a cattelya (at least I think it's a catt) whose leaves are all "twisty". Does anyone know the cause of this and how to solve it?
This plant was actually growing on a tree in a recently abandonned house, who's owners did not want it anymore. However, I decided it was worth the effort and risked life and limb to get it!
I've divided it into 2 pots. The second pot seems to be doing better, cos it's got a new bulb growing.
Its leaves also seem to be a bit on the yellow side. But I don't think it's getting too much light. I live in a flat and it's by the window. Previously it was in a fragipani tree, in full daylight.
Any advice would be appreciated!

[jerrymeola]

The leaves are dried and twisted because the roots are no longer able to take nutrient into the plant. Removing the plant from the tree damaged the roots. There is not much else you could have done.

Those leaves will never recover. As the plant puts out new growth it will also grow new roots to support the new growth. Over time the old twisted leaves can be removed.

A second problem will be, if the roots you did place in the pot begin to rot. They have always been exposed to air and adaptation to a pot is not easy. The hydroton is less likely to rot than bark, but I would remove the plant in about 3-4 months and check the roots, Anything soft and mushy should be cut off. An systemic anti-fungal dip should have been used when potting. I do not know what is available in Singapore.

Orchids are tough and can survive a lot.

Your plant is a Cattleya.

[Yiu Lin]

thanks for the good advice Jerry.
I took the plant 6 months ago and was also curious about the state of the roots. So I just removed the plant a couple of days back, to check. They are doing okay, nothing soft or mushy. But nothing green or new either.
The 2nd pot has put out 2 new roots and a new bulb spouting out, so perhaps this one may do better.