Cattleya Leaf Rot After Early Watering: Save the Pseudobulbs

5-Month Cattleya: Watered Early Before Trip, Returned to Leaf Drop

Cattleya growing well. Watered 3 days early before week away. Returned: most leaves fell. Dying?

Cause: Water in New Leaf Folds = Basal Rot

Water trapped in leaf bases → fungal/bacterial rot → leaves detach. Not amount/frequency of water.

Rescue

1. Cut all brown rot back to green tissue. Sterile blade.
2. Seal with sulfur/Rootone.
3. Restrict water. Fan after watering.
4. Pseudobulb bases have "eyes" under sheaths = future growth.

Follow-Up: All Leaves Gone, Brown Roots

If pseudobulbs also dead → no hope. If no pseudobulbs → not a Cattleya.

Water early, avoid foliage, fan dry.