Saveable or not?

[charlie7494]

I got an orchid as a gift that is in pretty bad shape. The leafs themselves have fallen off, but the roots are still good and healthy. Is there any way to save the plant?

[escualida]

I've seen threads where people have saved a plant in that condition. What kind is it? If it's a phal you might have a chance as long as the roots are exposed to light (they can photosynthesize).

[Leafmite]

Was crown rot involved? It might send out new growths from the side if the roots are still good.

[charlie7494]

It is a phal, not sure on the crown rot. I'll try re-potting it with some more of the roots exposed and see what happens. Guess it's time to cross my fingers.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Don't expose the roots. Most people just grow them in clear plastic pots.

Please provide more info on your growing environment and your method of growing.

[Cym Ladye]

Once you have lost the crown of a Phal from crown rot, the chances of saving the plant are close to zero. In a home environment with less that perfect growing conditions, even if you do by some chance get a basal growth from below the rotted crown, it may take several years for the plant to grow to blooming size again.

Use this loss as a valuable lesson in orchid culture, toss the plant and buy another one to enjoy now. To preclude this happening again, do not allow water to sit in the crown for a protracted length of time.

Good luck,

CL

[nenella]

I agree it is probably not 'saveable' ....
But nothing stops you from having a go @ trying....
I have lost a few but also saved a few...
I have a phal @ the moment which unfortunately got crown rot although it kept it's 2 bottom leaves and good roots. Well 2 years down the line the plant is nearly as big as the 'original' was but hasn't flowered yet.. I also would not repot unless the medium has broken down? ... post some pics if you can.
Good Luck!

[WhiteRabbit]

About three years ago, I completely crown rotted a Phal. It had good roots, so I continued to care for it as usual. In a couple months it started a basal growth. Don't think it's bloom sized yet, but maybe next year... So, have a go if you care to try

[charlie7494]

The poor thing was in pretty bad shape when I got. They had it marked down cause they were about to toss it out. I took a closer look and crown rot is an issue with it. Still has a couple good roots that I can fell when I check the soil for dampness. I use mostly clay pots, water about once a week, and they get fertilizer 1 or 2 times a month depending on the time of year. They get steady semi-filtered light thru a south and an east facing window.