Dying Patricia McCully 'Pacific Matriarch' - Orchid Board

Simpson5 · #1 11-04-2008, 07:19 PM

Hey Orchid folks,
I am a newbie and am currently trying to kill this once beautiful orchid. Leaves are browning from the bulbs and falling out. There are a few new shoots, and lots of hair-like roots coming up through the top of the bark. I was told to water every 7-10 days. Everytime I do it get worse! Please help!

greenbean · #2 11-04-2008, 07:38 PM

Post some pictures please. It makes it much easier to diagnose. What type of orchid is this? I'm fairly new myself, so I don't know a lot of cultivar names. Are the pseudobulbs still plump and healthy? If so, it may just be a deciduous orchid entering it's dormant stage. I don't really want to make any guesses until I see some pictures, especially of these "hair-like" roots. This may be a difference in wording, but I don't generally think of orchid roots as "hair-like". Get some pictures posted and I (and hopefully someone more experienced) will try to help. Hang in there and

!

camille1585 · #3 11-04-2008, 07:44 PM

Yes, pics definately would help! This orchid is a Beallara, so in the Oncidium alliance. If the leaf loss is on the oldest bulbs, it's possible that it may be normal. If leaf loss is even on the young bulbs, then there's probably a problem somewhere!

would say a lot. Don't hesitate to ask if you need help posting pictures!

Sandy4453 · #4 11-04-2008, 07:44 PM

What growing conditions are you giving this one, Simpson? Inside/outside? What kind of light is it getting? And, if indoors, do you have it under or near any vents? The leaves that are turning brown...are they on pseudobulbs that are somewhat shriveled? Do the leaves show anything such as heavy, dark spotting or tiny, dark dots? How big is the plant? What size pot and what kind of medium did you pot yours in? 7-10 days sounds about right for watering but it depends on what kind of medium you're using.

One thing Beallara's are NOT, is heat tolerant. I kept mine too warm and when I did a re-pot, is when it began failing more than I suspect it would have, had I left it alone.

Let's see a pic of the plant. If we can see what's going on, it'll most probably be easier to advise.

frostedeyes · #5 11-04-2008, 09:29 PM

seen the flower SPECTACULAR! i wish ur plant wont die. i think it wont anyway... bulbs usually wilts after they mature so its natural, same with its leaves so if ever your oncidium starts to wrinkle dont worry its they natural cycle. what u need to concentrate on is hopefully young shoots will grow from the old ones. try not to disturb. if roots are growing on top of the medium it means your medium is dry that is why your roots are growing upwards getting moisture from the atmosphere. just water them i have mines like dat... i dont know here in the philippines i water them every morning. As long as your medium will get dry when it reach by night. and dont even try to remove old bulbs you can trim the leaves but old bulbs shouldn't be remove they will supply nutrients for future young plants to grow as well as give you more flowers in spike. anyway calm down.. oncidiums are pretty tough... oncidium is my first baby orchid! and up to now its blooming everywhere!

Simpson5 · #6 11-07-2008, 12:23 AM

Hi,
I am sorry it took so long to reply, but this site is difficult to use and my wireless service keeps spotting on me. How do I post photos? I do not have a url address to link them to.

So am I to understand this particular orchid regenerates new shoots as the older bulbs die? That is what seems to be happening. How many shoots can I hope for? Thanks everyone!

She is on a table on a west facing wall, no apparent drafts, had 2 flower spikes, and is really looking sad at the moment. Do I feed her all winter?

greenbean · #7 11-07-2008, 02:39 AM

Go to "About this board" in the Welcome section. There is a post there called "tips for posting photos on Orchid Board" It took me a little while to get the hang of it too.

I much prefer orchids to computers, but at least the tech can be used to learn more about orchids!

Simpson5 · #8 11-17-2008, 09:55 PM

I still can't find the upload photos area. This is kinda frustrating as my poor orchid is looking worse everyday. Anybody have step-by-step?

quiltergal · #9 11-17-2008, 10:40 PM

Here's a link. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chidboard.html

I prefer to use Microsoft to resize my pictures. I just take my picture, upload to my puter, right click on the photo I want to post, select resize, select small. Microsoft will make another copy of your picture in a smaller size, and it will usually contain "small" in the title. You can then use the paperclip in the toolbar at the top of the reply box and insert your file. Click on one of the browse buttons. Go to where ever you have saved the picture on your computer. Click on the picture and then click open. It should put the code for that picture in the empty box next to the browse button. Then click upload. Should work like a charm. Let us know if you can't make it work.

frostedeyes · #10 11-17-2008, 11:13 PM

ok simpson please tell us if the brown bulb and the browning of leaves comes from the old bulbs. if its comming from the old bulb then its okay no need to worry. Just be careful with the young shoots they are the ones that will keep your orchids alive. if roots are growing upwards it means they need more water because the roots are looking for moisture in the atmosphere. try not to repot, since they are grown in there for months. if your new leaves are light green it means they are getting enough sunlight if its dark green then they arent getting enough sun. for the watering you can water them everyday but make it sure it will get dry by night. a daily misting will keep the humidity high. 3-4 hours of morning sun is good. oh i hope dat helps!