Sad orchid

9 years ago

Hi all -

I've had this orchid for almost 10 years - it was neglected/forgotten in the garden for a long time - it's been in my east-facing garden window (filtered light) and I've been watering it by dunking it in a bowl of water - and also spritzing it with water. It got new healthy leaves, but they turned yellow. Now it's got two little bits of green and I have no idea what to do. Would appreciate any advice. Should I repot it? Be careful to only dunk the roots in water? Should I clip the dead parts? It's still attached to the pot with its roots, but none of the live roots seems to be in the medium. Any hope?

Featured Answer

leubafr

9 years ago

Sad.....no. Dead......almost. There is a little life trying to come out where the green sprigs are developing. No, it is not living off the roots in the pot. Cut all the dead parts away and keep only the green and any new roots off of that. Yes, you can say it was neglected. Poor things was trying it's best to live. Just try re-potting the green part if it has any kind of roots on it. Otherwise, pitch the whole thing and start over. The pot is nice.

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Comments (9)

gigirambles
9 years ago
I agree, that green means it's not completely dead. I'd try to repot just the green and baby it along.
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slowjane CA/ Sunset 21
Original Author
9 years ago
Okay thanks everyone. I just pulled off the top part that's still alive and repotted it in new orchid bark up to the leaves, burying the roots that are still alive. Does anyone know what kind of orchid it is? All I know is that it's probably not a Phalaenopsis.
slowjane CA/ Sunset 21
Original Author
9 years ago
Does this look right? The other bulb things didn't want to come off and I was afraid I'd damage the parts that are alive if I cut into it or pulled on it any more. Thanks for your help!
leubafr
9 years ago
If the green shoot has its own roots, cut everything else off and pot it up.
leubafr
9 years ago
Probably a Dendrobian (sp?) Mine climb out of the pot like that. Same advice...They are notorious for making Keki's
Ben(8b/9a north FL)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Come on now !! this a not dendrobian. (dendrobium).. it used be a cattleya and it is now screaming for you to take it out of its misery send it to the big greenhouse in the sky. Feel free to clean and keep the pot, place in a sunny place so the sun can disinfect it.
mootsey
9 years ago
Hello All, I just joined your forum... Poor Cattleya but you all are hilarious! Interesting comments. All seem pretty knowledgeable about orchids. Look forward to your expertise when I need help. Regards, New Orchid Lover.
slowjane CA/ Sunset 21
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks everyone! And yes thanks for the humor. It seems to be speeding along on its way to the greenhouse in the sky now....Ah well. ;)