If it is basically falling apart with every touch. The rot may be really set in. I would try and save any part of the rhizome the still has eyes the look good and dry that plant out. I would not water again until you see new roots taking hold into the media. Are the old roots rotten as well. Do you have any air movement near the plant. A gentle breeze from a fan will help dry orchid after they are watered.

An orchid will die much faster from too much water than not enough.

Orchids are not like bedding plants and can be unpotted for quite awhile. Take your time and do it right.

Cinnamon will take care of the cut ends.

Why was this one in sphag? Not a good choice at all. Mine is in lava rock and drys out quickly between waterings. Repot if any part of it can be saved.

Kevin

I would definitely cut off all of the rot.
A fungicide or sprinkling some cinnamon one the wounded area should help prevent further issues.
Although I do have one in sphag, it stays very dry most of the time.
I have several mounted, but my healthiest one with the best growth is in clay pellets!
{{gwi:199376}}
It started out as a three growth plant 4yrs ago! ;~)

Here's a close up of the roots!

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I would worry more about saving the orchid, than I would a flower!!
Flowers come and go, but roots are precious and always better!! :~)

I did the same thing with my original division of R.digbyana 'Mrs Chase' AM/AOS!
Whew!
I spent all summer trying to get it to give roots and nothing.
It's been in one of these , but with a very thin layer of sphag and is full of new roots!!:~)
After just a month or less.
The sphag goes dry and just keeps a slight moisture cap on top.

Good luck!
Scott

Hmm!
I started this, got distracted and everyone has already responded!
It's probably all redundant now! :~)

hey guys thanks. I noticed it a little while ago but it was just a few roots. but just yesterday i really looked at it and i was horrified! its only one side of the plant( haha the side that wasnt growing shocker) i should have picked up on it. its in sphag becasue it came that way form normans orchids. the side that has no root probs is rooting up a storm!! the roots just roll all over each other like messy shoe laces. along with that side i see new roots and new growths starting everyday. it began making areial roots which should have been a sign( duh) i just feel stupid. So cinnamon works as a fungicide or as a prevention of spread? either way i love hearing about new tricks! And Where can i get some of those pellets fill me in guys youve been holding out on me(LOL)
Thanks a Ton Guys
Samuel

I believe that the clay pellets can be found on the net'
from hydroponics supply stores.
With Brassavola mounting may be best or grow in straight bark in a very shallow (fern-type) pot letting the pot dry out thoroughly between waterings.
Look at the plant. Those leaves are that way for a purpose!

I've posted this before, but here it is again. In lava rock from HD. The landscape kind. Very cheap. About $5 for a huge bag.

{{gwi:196629}}

Forget cinnemon, use hydrogen peroxide on the rot. Pour it straight on.

I would take the plant completely out of the moss and the pot. I would either do it just like Kevin shows, with lava and a clay pot...or put it in a small wood basket and wedge it in there w/ lava rock and/or large chunks of bark. Then two or three times a week, dunk the whole thing in a tub of water for 20 min. If you grow it in high light, it will work.
-MB

You can use both the peroxide and cinnamon. The cinnamon dabbed on the offending parts will repel water for a long period of time to keep future water from penetrating it.

Brooke

well right now it indoors under a T-5 flourescent tube that puts out 5000 lumens and the leaves are touching the bulb. thats the brightest it can get indoors. while it was outside this spring/summer it got full light and was just so happy. these lights are the best i can give it. do the lights i have it under count as high light? also i was pinching the sheath of another orchid plant that i have to see if anything was in it and the tip of it popped open, will this kill the chance of blooming?