losing orchids

[D_novice]

I know this terrible feeling. Orchid keeping seems to keep me forever alternating between joy and exhiliration, and depression and tragedy. Sometimes it's not even alternating, they are simultaneous.

[Joseia]

Originally Posted by D_novice

I know this terrible feeling. Orchid keeping seems to keep me forever alternating between joy and exhiliration, and depression and tragedy. Sometimes it's not even alternating, they are simultaneous.

Yes, joy and heartbreak taking turns, I know the feeling well. I think that is what makes me such an obsessive compulsive nut in regards to orchids.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Neostylis Lou Sneary is tough as nails. That 3 leafed plant of yours will recover over a period of around 5 years if you grow it right, especially if the roots are still intact.

Don't give up on it yet. And it is really not necessary to cry for this plant.

In the meantime, get yourself another one just to see flowers. The damaged one, you can continue to grow, but do not expect flowers for years to come.

I've had one before, and this is a plant you should not have to really worry about.

If any of them were Phals, as long as the plant's roots are still alive and the meristematic tissue inside the crown of the plant is viable, the plant is still alive. Recovery for a Phal is much more difficult to achieve due to their slow growing habit, but it is still possible.

If you can name off the other plants that were badly damaged, someone can help you. It is much better than just trying to find people to commiserate with.

Every orchid grower loses orchids. The grower that succeeds is the one who learns what they did wrong and does something about it.

Cry if you want. But more importantly learn from your mistakes, failures, or hardships.

[NYCorchidman]

Crying is a healthy way to relieve stress.
While it is very upsetting to lose a bunch of plants, things like Lou Sneary is highly replaceable, so don't be too sad.

As has been suggested, it will eventually come back as long as there are some green and roots, although it may take some time to get back to flowering size depending on the damage done.

Also, it is a good time (an excuse haha) to dump out those plants that you didn't really like.
You said your Lou Sneary wasn't fragrant. So why not try a different one? Just a thought.

[snowflake311]

No hurt in trying to save them. It might take a few years but you might be surprised at just how tough these plants are. They are survivors. I have saved a few plants from near death a few times when you save them it can be very rewarding.

So sorry that a bummer. If I see orchids in a HOT car I am going to break the window to save them.

[fooferdoggie]

almost 100 in the house right now hopefully our guys are durable.