So here is a video on why I am not ok with having horribly shriveled pseudobulbs on my orchids, not even on Catasetum orchids. Now just because orchids in general have a high degree of elasticity, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a no return point.
A shriveled pseudobulb might reach that great of a damage extent that some part of its structures will never repair themselves again. Dark patches, splits in the pseudobulbs that can get infected if they happen at the base of the pseudobulb and even total loss of the pseudobulbs are not uncommon.
Even with Catasetums, which can grow pretty fast and normal from only one pseudobulb, I wouldn’t want to risk the backbulbs. If they reach a point where they are not viable anymore I am losing out on some potential growths. If I manage to destroy the latest pseudobulb, I am out of plan B’s for the future survival of the orchid. And by the way, maybe it’s not an awful thing if some Catasetum hybrid orchids don’t rest too much? it seems Mr. Fischer is ok with short dry rests.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28l48ymbEeI
I personally don’t like to reach that extent of stress, not even with Catasetums, not even to force dormancy. I would try other methods first, I would also reduce watering, but not cut it completely. You never know how important backbulbs are until you need them. Have you ever reached that stage where only backbulbs would save you? what happens when they are not there or they are not functional anymore? or when they are depleted and cannot handle new growth?
