New unknown orchid with self cracking roots & blackening tips...Pics attached.

[josian]

Sigh...the first casualty....I'm so sad right now. As I wasn't around at home yesterday night & today, I got my mum to water it at around 7 pm & when I came back it was like that along with what I can only describe as "dark water" along the flower spike & the leaves have areas of dried "dark water". Could it be dust water as my room is facing the main road?Also, thinking of getting a praying mantis to keep pests under control....or will just having a spider do as there's already one there(made my orchid it's home since yesterday). thanks all for the advice, will follow them & hopefully it will be a happy orchid soon...sigh....

[Kona's Gold]

josian,

That looks like a natural die off to me since the first flowers to open are on the bottom of the spike/spray. The picture of the spot on the leaves was to blurry to see what it was so I will not comment on it.
Roland

[orchideric]

Dear Josian,

Your plant is definetly an Aranda (Arachnis x Vanda). It is also no doubt a mass produced, meristemmed clone.

Take a flower from your plant out to the botanical garden and ask for someone in the orchid greenhouse division. They should be able to give you a good name for your plant and answer all your growing questions.

The Republic is one of the great countries in the world and your botanical garden is the envy of almost everyone in the tropics. I have very fond memories of both.

Hope that helps, Eric

[josian]

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions. Will update a few weeks from now with pictures so you guys can see how i am doing. till then, have a great time with your orchids.

[josian]

Small update, Plant is Blooming! Pic attached. Hope the flowers can get bigger though...kinda small. Hope this means I'm doing something right....heh...

[josian]

Hi guys, I think I made a mistake, I saw some wet stuff on my spike & wiped it off with tissue, now in the morning it has turned brown. Is it a dead spike now? Picture attached. Could anyone advise me?should I cut off the spike? Thanks.

[orchideric]

Dear Josian,

Time will tell if you damaged the spike.

The "wet stuff" was just sugar exudate and is normal. Next time leave it alone.

Hope that helps, Eric.

[josian]

Thanks a lot Eric for your help. I'll be sure not to disturb them from now on.