I have this one orchid cactus cutting ( E.W. Angus ) that I was rooting over winter. It was doing fine it had new growth on top. Then I notice a few weeks ago it look like a portion of it was dieing. I have left it along and the new growth on top seem to still be growing. I was wondering if I should cut off the top portion and try to reroot it. Any advice, I am new to growing the orchid cactus.
Clayton, I would gently see what is happening below the soil. It could be that the cutting below the soil is rotting, and in that case, you would cut off at the brown line and re-root. If you tug gently on the cutting, you can see if there is tension or not. A rotted leaf should come right out when you tug. If there is a root system, then it might be rotting only at the soil line. This happens sometimes with epi's, and the core usually callouses and hardens. The dead tissue is travelling a little high for soil line tissue rot so I suspect the leaf is rotting below the soil, and you just need to re-root it.
Thanks Clare, I was thinking about that, but I was cunfuse when the new growth on top keep on growing.
Clayton
Clayton, it could have developed roots, started to grow, and then changed its mind and decided to rot instead. A drop in soil temp or staying wet too long might have caused it to take a turn for the worse, but it can be saved, and roots will develop more quickly once warm weather is here;-)
Clare, when I cut it at the brown line, do I need to set it out and let it callose over before I try rooting it? If so, about how long do I let it stay out to callose over?
It looks to me like it may be calloused over already. I would just cut along the bottom as close to the green as possible and replant.
Thanks so much Clare for your helpful advice.
Clayton
Clayton, my pleasure:-) It is still pretty cold outside at night here. Are these in a greenhouse or inside the house? Placing your cutting on a heat source or a heating pad will help speed up the rooting process a bit. Mine are outside all year on my semi-covered patio, and I broke some leaves this winter and just stuck them back in a couple of times. I noticed that one rotted the other day so I pulled it out and tossed it. I don't get rot in the warmer seasons, but it does happen during winter. I bet that your cutting will be fine. Just plant it in well-draining potting soil and water sparingly until you see some leaf growth.
