Useless effort?

[Iwantosavemyorchids]

This orchid was give to me as gift. The person didn’t check the roots only the flower. Long story short it came with rot root/ stem. I tried to stop the infection but it lost two leafs and all roots in the process and I’m not sure if it still has something that we could call a stem.

So I felt sorry for it and as the infection stopped, I started to leave it with moss under the plant and she is on some rocks (avoiding directly water). It is starting to show a new leaf and absolutely no root. Do you guys think it still has a chance or it is just a poor effort and she will eventually pass for the plants heaven?

[K-Sci]

Assuming it really has *no* roots, and the stem in the second photo is resting on top of the media, if it were mine, I'd ash can it.

Maybe another of our experts will have an idea.
-Keith

[Iwantosavemyorchids]

Ik some orchids without roots can grow it back and survive, but I think she would do the root first before the leaf if the root was possible? Idk. Sad to watch. Even her trying the poor new leaf lol.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Iwantosavemyorchids

It is starting to show a new leaf and absolutely no root. Do you guys think it still has a chance or it is just a poor effort and she will eventually pass for the plants heaven?

If it is still growing that new leaf, then that is at least something good. The main thing is to stabilise the situation. So avoid getting the media overly wet. And avoid very high direct light. Allow for some gentle air-circulation, and nice comfortable temperature, and then hopefully we see some good signs. We will see.

[Iwantosavemyorchids]

Thx! I’m trying to keep her the best as I can. Do you think that a plate with pebbles and water in the bottom would help?

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Iwantosavemyorchids

Thx! I’m trying to keep her the best as I can. Do you think that a plate with pebbles and water in the bottom would help?

Good question! I have read in the past that pebbles and water at the bottom of the pot won't really help ----- with humidity that is.

If a plant has no roots at all and isn't able to get water into it, then an adequate level of humidity could 'buy' some time for the plant - to grow new roots in order to get water into it. Some people will put the orchid into a bag, to maintain humidity ----- maybe sometimes at the risk of other things happening, such as too humid too create other sorts of issues. But if necessary, then that approach can be applied - especially the orchid really does have absolutely no roots right now, and also if your part of the world has relatively low humidity.

It's just important to not tinker with the orchid too much once a decision is made. As in - avoid pulling the orchid out to check on its condition - as we know that over-compensating and tinkering too much can create issues too.

[Roberta]

It's worth a try, as a learning experience if nothing else. If it is working on a new leaf, it may grow some roots too. Remember, orchids do everything slooowly. Keeping humidity around it (like from the moss under it) may help to keep it from desiccating too much before it can grow roots.

[Iwantosavemyorchids]

I went to check my orchids today and surprise: this one is showing a lil green “dot” in the stem! I think it maybe some root showing up! I can’t really tell cuz it is soooo small, but I hope so! Maybe even better and it will be a keiki.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Iwantosavemyorchids

I went to check my orchids today and surprise: this one is showing a lil green “dot” in the stem! I think it maybe some root showing up! I can’t really tell cuz it is soooo small, but I hope so! Maybe even better and it will be a cake!

A very good sign! Once it starts growing roots, it will be on its way! Orchids are tough!