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tim45z10

water logged orchid

11 years ago

I am a shade tree orchid grower. I came across three orchids that were not being cared for properly. I traded a nite lite for them.
This orchid is unknown to me. It looks like it is planted in sphagum (sp), it is water logged and stinky. Help me save it.
Tim
Thank you.

Comments (13)

  • 11 years ago

    It looks like the roots could be rotten, however the leaves seem ok. Get rid of all that moss, and let the roots breathe. I would transplant it into a pot with drainage holes, and try some mixed bark. I am no expert but I tried to work with an orchid that I rescued, and has already grown new leaves and roots. Air circulation is vital. Good luck...

  • 11 years ago

    I pulled off all of the fill. I am now letting the roots breathe and dry. I will then put it in an orchid pot. I think it has a chance.
    Thank you.

  • 11 years ago

    The roots are hollow, with tiny tendrils inside the full length of the root.
    I pulled a few of the outer skins off. Potted in a proper pot and a bark mix.

  • 11 years ago

    Any healthy green/silver roots? I believe you need to cut off the rotten stringlike roots with a clean/sterile utensil. Repot with mixed bark, make sure it has perlite for drainage and coal to prevent decomposing mixture. Orchid food once a week and, let the new roots show up. I will send you some updated pics at my earliest convenience.

  • 11 years ago

    New roots and leaves showing in pic. I wish the process was quicker though. Since I live in Florida and now it's hot I am watering twice a week. I am extremely cautious of not overwatering since I had flies grow on my orchids due to the larvae forming and feeding from rotten roots and bark. I will post a different pic with all my plants showing on a different post, and see what feedback I get.

  • 11 years ago

    Very few, if any strong healthy roots. I planted it in bark and marked it. I will post progress in the future.

  • 11 years ago

    That root that loops upward looks like a big healthy one. You should do OK. Best, Janine

  • 11 years ago

    Is that a clay pot? My Phals fare better in plastic pots. To avoid the stress of repotting again, you can fit that pot into a snug fitting plastic pot to conserve moisture. Make sure both pots have lots of drainage. Best of luck.

    John

  • 11 years ago

    Thanks, new leaf is getting bigger. It is a clay pot John and I will post pics soon. I appreciate the feedback..

  • 11 years ago

    Tim any new roots?

  • 11 years ago

    Nothing yet. I am also trying to overcome sunburn as well. Its down to one small leaf.

  • 11 years ago

    When I was in a similar situation recently, I repotted a distressed plant with only one short root into bark and it eventually died. I have come to realize that I have the most success with loosely packed, fresh sphagnum moss in a well ventilated orchid pot. I seem to get lots of new green roots and leaves that way. In my limited experience, putting a plant with no roots into bark didn't work and I wish I had waited for healthy roots before I potted in bark. Curious how yours turns out - good luck!

  • 11 years ago

    Maybe a tiny bit of wet sphagnum on the end of the root- just for a little while.

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