Cleaning pseudobulbs and leaves

[boxerfan]

hi, I was just wondering if it is advised to trim away the brown, filmy growth on pseudobulbs. Also, I have some plants with partially dead leaves. Should I trim the leaves and treat the living edges with cinnamon? TIA, Lisa

[terra_australis]

You can trim the pseudobulb sheath if desired but it is OK to leave. Some people believe it can harbour critters but I don't have an issue with any of mine. I prefer not remove the sheath until it is fully dry as cutting into living tissue only creates an entry point for disease. That goes for leaves too. If you trim them, trim inside the dead part of the leaf.

[11Orchid126]

When terra australis says to cut off the sheath it's difficult to understand what he means. The term "sheath" refers to the growth that comes from the tip of the bulb and which can eventually house buds. Often these sheaths dry up, but far down the line can still produce buds and it is not advisable to cut them off.

If he's referring to the "onion skin" type of material that covers the bulb until the bulb matures and then dries up because it's no longer needed, then yes, the dry skin can be peeled off, either for appearance sake or safety to prevent hiding places for critters.

[cable]

The sheath around the pseudobulb can be trimmed if you want, but it's certainly not necessary. I tend to leave them, both because they look nice and because I figure the plants must make them for a reason.

[kmarch]

To clarify, the leafy structure that protects new growths, which dies off when the growth is mature is called a bract. The leafy envelope that protects new buds is called a sheath. The forum has an extensive glossary you can refer to if you need to look up terms: http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/glo...-orchid-terms/

Bracts may be removed when dried up, brown and dead. I agree with Dan though in that I never cut into living tissue unless 1) I am dividing a plant, or 2) I am cutting out some kind of rot or disease. I often cut away dead leaves but I only cut the already-dead tissue.

[tangers40]

dead/dying/yellowing leaves are left on my plants until they pull off with just a small light tug. and i prefer to remove the bracts when they also peel off with little effort simply because i think they look ugly. brown and black splotchy vs. healthy shiny green? i'll take peeling off the bract any day

[terra_australis]

My bad! Terminology is not my strong point. Sorry if I was a little ambiguous.

[kmarch]

No worries Dan you were actually quite clear

[cable]

Thanks for the "bract" terminology. I learn something every day!