save my orchid ... - Orchid Board

markeckstein8 · #1 07-31-2016, 05:06 AM

Ok to start i got this orchid as a piece from a friend in florida it was growing outside on the ground with literally all of its roots exposed i got a piece brought it home and stupidly put it in a pot 10 days later the roots were all rotten i think the mix retained to much water ... Now i have an orchid with nooo roots but the leaves are all still green i can see that everything is starting to shrivel tho can anybody help me save this guy

estación seca · #2 07-31-2016, 03:10 PM

It looks like a reed-stem Epidendrum. They can make roots and new growths from the stems at the bases of leaves when conditions are right. There is a chance you can save it.

Dip the whole stem in something with rooting hormone, like kelp solution or something from a hydroponics shop. Put the stem section in a closed jar so humidity is high. Put it in bright shade. If it is going to survive it will make new plantlets, that will need to develop roots before you separate them.

It can be heartbreaking, because often new stems sprout as the parent stem is shriveling, and the dead zone spreads to the new plantlet before it roots.

markeckstein8 · #3 07-31-2016, 04:17 PM

but I know nothing about rooting hormone and where does one get jar that big the plant piece is rather large . another question is if the jar is closed how does the plant get hydrated I dont see how an empty jar with no water can create humidity .. sorry I probally should know these things

estación seca · #4 07-31-2016, 04:21 PM

I strongly suspect the market for herbs often grown indoors under artificial lighting via hydroponics is as strong in Europe as in North America. Look for a shop selling hydroponics supplies. They sell rooting hormone.

You can use a large glass vase, or a small aquarium, or a large jar. You can set a small glass full of water inside, and cover the top with plastic wrap.

fishmom · #5 07-31-2016, 05:12 PM

You could also lay it down sideways in a tray or something you make out of aluminum foil. Put some sphagnum moss or perlite in the bottom, anything to hold some moisture. Cover it and keep it moist but not soggy. Ideally, the nodes on the branch will sprout roots and you will have several baby plants.