Cut off or leave old pseudobulbs

[estación seca]

I don't have your humidity and constant exposure to pathogens. However, I leave pseudobulbs such as you mention, especially for a plant that's struggling, for the reasons you mention. I don't cut off any old Catt growths until they are dry and brown.

[K-Sci]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I don't have your humidity and constant exposure to pathogens. However, I leave pseudobulbs such as you mention, especially for a plant that's struggling, for the reasons you mention. I don't cut off any old Catt growths until they are dry and brown.

Originally Posted by Louis_W

My suggestion would be to leave everything that is alive. It seems natural that they would look bad but they may still be doing some good as you said. If you notice rot or anything spreading cut it off but otherwise let it be. When the plants have new root systems and a few shiny new bulbs, then you can start removing the older stuff.

I 100% agree with both of the above.

-Keith

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Addressing your question on timing, it is not wise to remove old growths leaving roots disconnected in the pot to rot. But removing old growths with their roots will require as much disturbance as repotting, including damaging the roots of the live bulbs.

There is no reason to do anything until the spring growth starts and it is the right time to repot anyway (when new roots just start to emerge). Then you can cut off anything you don't think is contributing to the plant's strength.

-Keith