Question
I have a cattleya orchid and two of the psedobulbs are turning yellow, and the top part of the leaf actually pulled out of one. This one is also producing a very small one by its side.  My question is...have I overwatered this plant, is it dying back, and this is normal ( it looks like its dying) I hate the thought of losing it so any light you can shed on this matter would be great!

Thank you,
Catharin

Answer
Hello Catharin,

Yellowing of cattleya pseudobulbs can be caused by overwatering but it also might be due to it dying a natural death.  If you have been watering it on a regular schedule (weekly or more often), it could be from over watering as cattleyas need a wet/dry cycle in watering wherein you wait until the potting mix becomes almost dry before watering again.  

The good news is that it is growing a new pseudobulb from the base of the older one.  Once the new growth has several new roots growing, I'd suggest repotting it into fresh potting mix and water according to the above.  Also, you may remove the dying pseudobulb by cutting it off near the bottom, just be careful to not injure the new growth.  Generally, cattleya pseudobulbs will stay green but slowly shrivel prior to turning brown and dying.  

Hope this has helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.