Too late for this Phal? - Orchid Board

jen.kirsten · #1 11-11-2012, 02:30 AM

Hello Advanced Growers, can it be saved? I found this orchid in my boss's office behind a stack of books. Sad state of affairs but there is the point of a new leaf just starting in the center. The crown is wet in his picture because I just finished a hydrogen peroxide treatment. Thank you!

escualida · #2 11-11-2012, 03:05 AM

I would try to save it, I have one that is in a similar condition and tried the sphag-n-bag thing but it just kept growing mold and didn't look too happy. I decided to change my approach and put it in S/H and as soon as I did the leaves perked up and it seems to be getting better. Good luck!

jen.kirsten · #3 11-11-2012, 01:28 PM

Thank you! I have it under sphag and bag right now and the good news is that the leaves look fine. Perky and not wrinkled. We'll see how it goes!

escualida · #4 11-11-2012, 07:43 PM

all it takes is patience, if it looks like it's doing well I'm sure it'll start growing roots really soon

Paul Mc · #5 11-11-2012, 08:16 PM

Personally, I haven't had success with the sphag and bag method, but I may have done it wrong without guidance. SH may be your life saver, but again I've never tried it but upon my next encounter like this I would! I'd say try, and if you don't succeed then chuck it up to experience and learn from it the next time around.

silken · #6 11-11-2012, 08:17 PM

I always like to soak the roots (or stem in this case) in either KLN rooting hormone or seaweed (kelp) extract mixed with water. This helps stimulate root growth.

jen.kirsten · #7 11-12-2012, 02:30 AM

Thank you for all the tips! I was worried everyone would say to give up! Not giving up on this little one! I have it in a plastic pot with the small bit of moist moss around it and I believe the bag helps to keep the moisture and warmth going. I'm going to use the leaves as my guide at this point. Thanks again for the help!

The Orchid Boy · #8 11-12-2012, 03:59 PM

Good job saving an orchid! I say it's not too late and good luck!

NYCorchidman · #9 11-12-2012, 10:08 PM

If you have issues with mold, then make some more holes on the bag. also, dipping the whole plant on antifungal podwer or sulfur might help keeping it down a lot.

I would only try and save if I REALLY love the plant and the plant is rather uncommon.
Now, feel the stem (not sure if that's the correct name but) and make sure it is firm. Cut off any soft part.
After soaking the whole thing in antifungal agent, let it dry out. then apply rooting hormone, then place moist (not dripping wet) moss around the stem loosely.
The key is uniform moisture and good air flow at the same time, otherwise, the plant will rot again. or dry out, which is also not good.

Oh, another important part, place the whole setup in a very bright place. This also helps to keep the fungal attach down and help the plant stay warm.

jen.kirsten · #10 11-14-2012, 03:58 AM

Here is my set up for now: The stem and crown have been treated with Hydrogen Peroxide to the point where there is no more fizzing when it's applied. I dusted it with cinnamon and now have the plant secured to a stake with slightly damp moss around the bottom that is mixed in with a few rocks to help with air flow. The plastic pot its in has air holes on the sides and bottom. It stays in our back bedroom that has huge south facing windows so it not only gets a lot of light but the room stays nice and warm too. I really just bag it at night when the temps drop since it's so warm during the day. (I live in CA). So far everything looks okay and the leaves look fine (My only visual guide at this point) and on the advice of another member I have been misting the underside of the leaves twice daily with filtered water since there are no roots to hydrate the plant. Since it's been through so much the last few days I'm going to wait a while longer before trying the root stimulating solution. I don't think this plant is rare, it used to be a beautiful Phal with 4 gorgeous flower spikes that was sadly put in a corner and neglected (by someone at work). I am new to taking care of orchids so I want to keep at it. Thank you all!