So I overwatered my orchid...

[bbs]

hope all goes well, please let us know what happens next!

[archie22]

So those are signs of overwatering? I'm getting my first orchid this year. Yes, I'm so scared I won't get one for a while until I know EVERYTHING lol

But these are good things to know. Sorry this happened though. I'm sure if that happens to me I would be upset.

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by archie22

So those are signs of overwatering? I'm getting my first orchid this year. Yes, I'm so scared I won't get one for a while until I know EVERYTHING lol

But these are good things to know. Sorry this happened though. I'm sure if that happens to me I would be upset.

I would not be afraid to get an orchid. It's always a learning experience for all of us. We all started somewhere. Most of us never had Orchid Board to help us from the beginning. You will be fine. Just read tips on what to look for when buying your orchid (check out firstrays.com he has free tips and culture sheets) and jump right in and enjoy the ride. You don't have to buy an expensive orchid. Mine was fairly cheap from a box store. They are usually very nice if they've just arrived or if someone there knows how to care for them.
Just remember, you have all of us to help you and answer any questions you may have. Orchids give us so much joy. Sometimes grief, but mostly it's a positive experience. Like H&R Block advertizes....you have people!

[RosieC]

I agree with everyone who said it can still be saved. I am in the process of saving one which got down to two leaves and two short roots and it's getting better just now.

You want to remove all the root which is rotten, because rot can spread if you don't. If you still have two or three goods roots then you can pot it back up and try to care for it carefully. I have found that watering with luke warm (or slightly warmer) water has helped to prompt root growth and I'm also trying KLN which many people here have advised.

If you have no roots left after removing the rotten ones then you may need to try Sphag-n-Bag

It may be tempting while trying to save it to keep wanting to water when the leaves get floppy, but this has the danger of just leading to more rot. You want to water it when the roots turn silver just as you would when it is healthy.

I have found that you want to pot it in just a small amount of bark, so that it dries out thoroughly between waterings while still watering it often. I have put an upside down yogurt pot and packing peanuts in the bottom of a pot, with a small amount of bark in the top. This means I can use a larger pot (which balances the large leaves) while having a small amount of bark which dries quickly. Seems to be working well so far.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by archie22

So those are signs of overwatering? I'm getting my first orchid this year. Yes, I'm so scared I won't get one for a while until I know EVERYTHING lol

But these are good things to know. Sorry this happened though. I'm sure if that happens to me I would be upset.

Don't be scared Archie,

If it's a Phal then there is a very simple way to know when it needs watering. First off use a clear pot with holes in the bottom (this can go in a decorative outer pot if you want).

Then you want to water when the roots all the way down have turned silver. If they are still green then don't water yet, wait until they go white/silver.

Water by either standing it in water for a few minutes or by running water through from the top until it runs out the bottom. Whichever method you use you want to get the medium thoroughly wet and then drain out all the excess water.

I'm used to Phals so I'm not yet practiced on how to water other sorts, but this method works great for Phals.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by archie22

So those are signs of overwatering? I'm getting my first orchid this year. Yes, I'm so scared I won't get one for a while until I know EVERYTHING lol

But these are good things to know. Sorry this happened though. I'm sure if that happens to me I would be upset.

Archie-- I read every book in my county's library system regarding orchids-- that was nearly 35 books ago-- and I can tell you ONLY experience will teach you AND only the help of the wonderful people on this forum will help you. Go get yourself an orchid and feel your addiction firmly take place LOL

Actually, it is quite mistrustful how some plants will react to over-watering. In the case of a phal, its roots will rot, unbeknownst to you, and one day it looks sickly so you figure it might need a touch more water-- when really it needs no water at all. That is why it is very good to:

1. know where you orchid originally came from (the trpics, the mountains, etc) and try to give it a similar home.
2. understand the biology of these plants. I have only phals but I know that any plant that gets too much water will have cells split and rot will ensue.
3. Have patience as these plants will respond to your efforts if things aren't too bad off to begin with.

Its a worthy plant genre to have-- so enjoy it.