What causes my orchid bulbs to rot.?

Question

i need to know why my orchids have been dying, have only been growing for 3 or 4 years now but have built up a great collection of the more prime rare and exotic species. I have had all good growing up till now and over the last few months have seen many of my plants dying. I have my ideas for what is happening but want another answer. I live in north queensland so it sometimes rains more than other years [and never dries out].and this and last year we have missed out on more than half of our regular wind [i kitesurf ,so notice this alot] which dosn't dry everything out as it should. So sometimes the leaves turn yellow then drop of, then the bulb from the base or close to will turn brown,[sometimes first] then feel soft and watery. You can see and feel the watery rot inside the bulb. My main question is, is this strictly water abuse or is there something else helping this like a bacteria or fungis and is there something i can treat this with.anything. thanks adam

Answer 1

Your orchids are suffering from rot caused by too much water.  This in turn allows fungi to grow and further damage the corms.  If possible, dig up the corms and transplant to an area with better drainage.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

How are they potted?  In their natural habitat many orchids grow off of trees and expose their roots.  They need potting with good drainage, like bark chips. Perhaps you have them potted in soil that is too thick.