Troubleshooting
Pretty Trichocentrum problems — and how to fix them
Pretty Trichocentrum (Trichocentrum pulchrum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot
A combination of too-frequent watering and slow-drying medium leads to root blackening and plant decline.
Low flower count
Insufficient light during the growing season results in weak pseudobulbs that produce few or no flowers.
Thrips
Thrips damage petals with silver rasping marks and can spread viral diseases between orchid collections.
Salt build-up
Mineral salts from tap water fertilising accumulate on the root tips, causing browning and stunted growth.
Pseudobulb shrivelling
Under-watering in active growth depletes moisture reserves, causing the small pseudobulbs to wrinkle.
Prevent pretty trichocentrum problems before they start
Most pretty trichocentrum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Pretty Trichocentrum problems — FAQ
Why is my pretty trichocentrum root rot?
A combination of too-frequent watering and slow-drying medium leads to root blackening and plant decline.
Why is my pretty trichocentrum low flower count?
Insufficient light during the growing season results in weak pseudobulbs that produce few or no flowers.
Why is my pretty trichocentrum thrips?
Thrips damage petals with silver rasping marks and can spread viral diseases between orchid collections.
Why is my pretty trichocentrum salt build-up?
Mineral salts from tap water fertilising accumulate on the root tips, causing browning and stunted growth.
Why is my pretty trichocentrum pseudobulb shrivelling?
Under-watering in active growth depletes moisture reserves, causing the small pseudobulbs to wrinkle.