Can my orchid be saved? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Singingirl96 · #1 11-12-2008, 10:05 PM

The base of the new growths do usually turn black when they mature... just a thought

Royal · #2 11-13-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VickiC

Hi,

Do you think there is any hope for the orchid?
Vicki

Yes. I wouldn't cut any leaves. They're going to fall soon. I also wouldn't cut off any p-bulbs that are green. Shriveled is ok, but if it's yellow and crispy prune it off. You won't see much root growth from the older parts, but you should see roots coming from that new lead soon. Get it in some bark mix, or whatever you use. Get it nice and snug, keep it on the dry side but humid. I bet you'll do fine.

Oh, and I know how it is with the HD or Lows plants. Keep saving them - it's a good cause.

VickiC · #3 11-13-2008, 12:51 PM

Hi Royal!
Thanks....I depend a lot on you coming to my aid.

I read your post at a good time because I was planning to work on my catt in a few mins.

So, let me see if I am understanding what you are saying....are you suggesting that there is most likely nothing wrong with my plant....that the yellow leaves are simply part of the cycle of an older catt....or am I totally on the wrong track? (Sorry, I apparently have more blonde hair than I should.....I don't do well with the "smart person thing" lol)

Something else, I have bark soaking now, but I also have sphag soaking, so I can use either to repot. I've had some luck in the past using sphag to root, but I don't use it with my established orchids, as a general rule. BUT....I'm definitely open for suggestions....what would you use if it was your orchid?
Anyway, thanks again for your reply....as always.
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Yes. I wouldn't cut any leaves. They're going to fall soon. I also wouldn't cut off any p-bulbs that are green. Shriveled is ok, but if it's yellow and crispy prune it off. You won't see much root growth from the older parts, but you should see roots coming from that new lead soon. Get it in some bark mix, or whatever you use. Get it nice and snug, keep it on the dry side but humid. I bet you'll do fine.

Oh, and I know how it is with the HD or Lows plants. Keep saving them - it's a good cause.

greenbean · #4 11-14-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Oh, and I know how it is with the HD or Lows plants. Keep saving them - it's a good cause.

I'm totally using that line to justify my next weak moment in Lowe's or HD!

quiltergal · #5 11-14-2008, 11:04 PM

Vicki 2 things. 1st keep an eye out for mold in the medium. Being in the plastic box, higher humidity, cooler temps, and lower light is mold heaven. 2nd you probably won't see any new roots push out until the new growths have matured. So be very patient.

As someone else said old pbulbs rarely grow new roots.

VickiC · #6 11-16-2008, 01:29 PM

Hi Terri!
I'm gonna try my best to be patient, but I'm guessing you've figured out that I have a pretty hard time with "patience"....something I am trying to work on.

In the meantime, I'll certainly take your advice and watch closely for mold.
Thanks again,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Vicki 2 things. 1st keep an eye out for mold in the medium. Being in the plastic box, higher humidity, cooler temps, and lower light is mold heaven. 2nd you probably won't see any new roots push out until the new growths have matured. So be very patient.

As someone else said old pbulbs rarely grow new roots.

VickiC · #7 11-16-2008, 01:21 PM

Hi greenbean!
Good one! "One up for Royal"! I like this motto and plan to definitely keep it in mind!

Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenbean

I'm totally using that line to justify my next weak moment in Lowe's or HD!

JennS · #8 11-13-2008, 01:35 PM

Vicki,

I agree that it appears to just be normal growth and death for the catt. The older pbulbs will eventually lose their leaves and then will shrivel too. As Royal said, don't cut them off just because they are shriveled. Only cut off ones that are actually brown/dead. Also, the old growths generally don't produce new roots, so any new roots will be coming from those new growths. Also, the black at the base of the new growth looks normal too.

As a potting medium, I use the bark mix from Lowes' that has the charcoal and perlite/sponge rock in it. I mix that with about 1/3 part of spag. If you have both soaking, I say go ahead and mix them together. That way you have a little extra moisture retention without drowning out the plant. Good luck!

VickiC · #9 11-13-2008, 01:57 PM

Thank you so much, Jenn!
Gotcha! I think I am armed and ready now to go tackle the repotting task....so wish me and my catt luck!
Thanks again,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennS

Vicki,

I agree that it appears to just be normal growth and death for the catt. The older pbulbs will eventually lose their leaves and then will shrivel too. As Royal said, don't cut them off just because they are shriveled. Only cut off ones that are actually brown/dead. Also, the old growths generally don't produce new roots, so any new roots will be coming from those new growths. Also, the black at the base of the new growth looks normal too.

As a potting medium, I use the bark mix from Lowes' that has the charcoal and perlite/sponge rock in it. I mix that with about 1/3 part of spag. If you have both soaking, I say go ahead and mix them together. That way you have a little extra moisture retention without drowning out the plant. Good luck!

Royal · #10 11-13-2008, 02:04 PM

I wouldn't say "normal." I think it suffered by staying too wet. I was just saying you did the right thing repotting it, and it looks like it's recovering well. If it were mine, I'd use the bark mix. Sphag doesn't work well for my conditions. If it works for you, by all means use it. But if you normally go with bark for your big 'chids, just use that.