Orchid Newbie question

9 years ago

Hi All, I purchased my first orchid yesterday at Lowes. They were marking some down because they just received a big shipment of orchids (all different sizes)

i just took the orchid (Phalaenopsis) out of its container because it was really root bound. It was grown in just sphagnum moss and while it was pretty dry on top the center and bottom were quite moist. I pulled off all the moss so I could see the roots and they don't look that great.

I grow Hoyas so I know about root rot but orchid roots are different from the fine roots of a Hoya.

Can this orchid be saved?

I think it looks pretty good and I love the color.

Now what lies beneath the pretty surface.

The other side

Featured Answer

lauraeli_

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi. Your orchid looks healthy. There is a little bit of rot there (the black areas), but overall the roots look good. Spray the rotted areas with hydrogen peroxide. Then pot it back up in a good orchid mix- Try Better-gro special orchid mix. I believe Lowes carries it- otherwise try Home Depot. Thats where I get mine.

Phalaenopsis orchids dont really get root bound in the sense of needing a bigger pot. If you can fit it back into the pot it was in, there's no harm in doing that. Too big of a pot can easily cause root rot in a phal.

They grow naturally on trees, with no soil and nothing covering their roots. When grown in homes and in pots, the purpose of the orchid potting mix is to hold humidity around the roots, as they are adapted to absorb moisture from the air. The roots need air in order to survive.

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Comments (6)

Monica bf N. Carolina zone 7B
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks so much. I have orchid mix and Orchiata that I use for some of my Hoyas. I guess their growing habits are very similar so hopefully I won't kill this orchid:-)
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lauraeli_
9 years ago
"Orchid mix for Hoyas? *confused face*"

I have a huge Hoya carnosa- I grow it in regular potting mix and I neglect it like it's a plastic plant. It bloomed for me this past summer. I have to admit that I actually knew very little about the plant, before I googled it just now...Maybe I should be more considerate of such a beautiful, non-complaining plant
Monica bf N. Carolina zone 7B
Original Author
9 years ago
I would keep doing what you're doing with your Carnosa. It sounds like it's very Happy. Most of us on the Hoya forum use some type of bark mix as Hoyas are epiphytes too. When propagating I do use a 50/50 blend of potting mix and perlite.

Hoyas are like Orchids......very addictive :-))
lauraeli_
9 years ago
Not to brag but, my bunny is kind of a houseplant aficionado. Last winter he thought it would be a good idea to propagate a new plant. He chewed a very long vine off at soil level. Now I have two Hoyas! In hindsight, what a great idea! LOL

Maybe next time I feel like experimenting, Ill try an orchid mix and see how it does! :-)

Im currently trying it with my easter cactus.
lauraeli_
9 years ago
I have 11 phalaenopsis, 1 tolumnia, and an Encyclia. There's a bit of a learning curve when you step away from terrestrial plants. It sounds like your orchid is in great hands. Good luck with your new orchid addiction!
Monica bf N. Carolina zone 7B thanked lauraeli_