Encyclea with a mushy pseudobulb

[chidfix]

My Encyclea cochleata is now in bloom. It had two spikes blooming but the leaves on one of the spiking pseudobulbs have turned yellow and fallen off and the spike is now all dried up Today I notice the pseudobulb is turning brown and getting mushy! Should I cut off the mushy bulb. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[kmarch]

Are you sure it's Pros cochleata? It doesn't look quite right to be that.

[orchidaddict789]

If it's getting mushy, better cut off the mushy part with a sterilized blade. Be sure to cut into good tissue, because the rot can spread quickly. Then sprinkle with cinnamon and put the plant in a place with good air circulation.

By the way, I've seen cochleatas with elongated pbulbs, but the one I got from a grower in Hawaii has short, round-ish bulbs that look like the picture above.

[chidfix]

Originally Posted by kmarch

Are you sure it's Pros cochleata? It doesn't look quite right to be that.

Yes Encyclea Cochleata
Encyclia cochleata | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[chidfix]

Originally Posted by orchidaddict789

If it's getting mushy, better cut off the mushy part with a sterilized blade. Be sure to cut into good tissue, because the rot can spread quickly. Then sprinkle with cinnamon and put the plant in a place with good air circulation.

By the way, I've seen cochleatas with elongated pbulbs, but the one I got from a grower in Hawaii has short, round-ish bulbs that look like the picture above.

Thanks for the intell and Yes mine was also purchase from kawamoto in Hawaii. Should I cut it completely off or just the mushy part. Any idea what caused this.

[orchidaddict789]

Originally Posted by chidfix

Thanks for the intell and Yes mine was also purchase from kawamoto in Hawaii. Should I cut it completely off or just the mushy part. Any idea what caused this.

Ah I guessed right! Mine was also in a basket like yours.

Can't tell too clearly from the pic...if the whole bulb is mushy, you should cut it completely off. It looks like the rot has extended from the top of the bulb to the bottom?

It happens. Soft rot is caused by a fungus called erwinia (probably other types of fungi cause soft rot too, but this is the one I know about), which spreads by water splashing around. It's possible your plant was wet during the evening or night. I've had it happen to many of my orchids, especially this summer for some reason...

Good luck!

[katrina]

If all of your pbulbs are that shriveled and wrinkled...there's a problem. Enc...now Prosthechea (Psh) cochleata should have very plump, full pbulbs.

It's either a case of over-watering and the roots are not in the best shape or the plant is being underwatered.

I found it liked a good deal of water but it needed to drain rapidly. Check your roots if you haven't done so lately.

[Leafmite]

I agree. Check the roots. If they are outside the basket and dry, try to hydrate them. If in the basket, they might have rotted away. If the roots are rotted, try a large, chunky medium like CHC or lava rock in a pot with holes or slits in the sides or a plastic net pot. Cut off anything rotted and keep in a warm, dry place. Don't wait until it is done blooming.
Good luck,
Leafmite