So I overwatered my orchid...

[Martin]

This is my first orchid, a phal. I after about the first 3 weeks, I noticed the leaves were becoming a little soft. I figured it was from lack of water, so I made a humidity tray, bought a water sprayer, and increased my watering. Unfortunately, I think I overdid it. Now, a few of the leaves are turning yellow and my flowers have been wilting. I removed the plant from the pot and noticed that most of the leaves if not all were mushy. I could remove the soft sheath and reveal a single white strand of root underneath. I cut the roots back about 1/2 way (they were about 8" long) and then repotted them in new orchid media (which I didn't soak in water) and gave it some water. I'm not sure whether or not there was fungus on the roots. I also cut one of the spikes to the base and applied cinnamon, the other spike's flowers are still turgid so I left it. How should I proceed? What do you think the prognosis is? The largest leaf is still healthy, and a new leaf is emerging and also appears healthy. Thanks in advance for any input.
-Martin

[jrhennek]

Martin
I personally would throw out this plant and get a new one. Sorry I can't give you better information but by the description of your plant, hate to say but it's a goner. I guess I would caulk it up for experience. We all lose plants but also learn from our mistakes. Please don't get discouraged from this and stop growing orchids because then you will really miss out on a fascinating hobby.

Jayme

[kiki-do]

Can you post a picture? How much root do you have that is healthy?

[SP2340]

Yeah, I have brought orchids to the brink of extinction and they've come back to life so give it a chance.. good luck and welcome!

[ChasWG]

Yeah give it a chance. I am bringing back my very first orchid right now. I bought it a little more than a year ago and in that time I proceeded to start it's demise. I almost killed it completely. It now has two leaves left that are starting to come back and I am seeing new root growth. I could have easily just thrown it out, but I took it as a challenge. It's nothing but a common noid, but still it was my first one. Give it a shot at least.

[snow]

there is nothing common about a noid. it,s a winner without a name.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If there's an old leaf and a new leaf with even two good roots and body of the plant is still firm. This plant can make it.

Cutting the spike(s) was a good thing. It conserves the plant's energy and redirects it to where it needs to go.

Repotting into fresh medium is also fine. Just remember they like to be pot bound.

In the future I would not mist the leaves on the plant at all. Water tends to dribble down into the crown of the plant and get stuck there. If that happens and it doesn't dry out fast enough, it'll rot out the meristem and kill the plant. This'll all make sense if you start seeing photos of how Phalaenopsis actually grow in nature. All I'll say is go on the internet and do a google search for pics of Phals growing in nature and you'll see that they don't grow upright.

[caseydoll]

I would cut the spike you have left off as well. You can always put it in a vase to enjoy the flowers that are left.

[camille1585]

If you have two healthy leaves and a few roots, it's still possible to save it. How many roots are left? Also, if I understood you right, you cut the good roots to half their length. It's not a good idea to do that to an orchid, especially one that needs all the roots it has if it wants to bounce back!

[Martin]

Thanks for all the replies. I have maybe 2 or 3 one inch roots left that look fairly healthy. I cut the soggy roots back about half way, I didn't want to cut them all the way because I wasn't sure if they were still functional, since they had that white string of root in the center. We'll see how it does.