when to cut broken/yellowing leaf

[SamandAnne]

Looking into getting the root growth hormone...thank you.

Do you think it'll make it?

When I repot into the clear pot, should I pot the aerial roots into the medium, also? Right now they seem the only really healthy roots. Or should I keep them on the outside since they seem healthy that way?

Thanks for everyone's help!

[SamandAnne]

I went to repot in the clear pot today and applied root growth hormone. I removed the next bottom leaf that was coming off--it was about 90% off on its own. When I looked at its attachment point more closely, it was soft and mushy. So I removed it in hopes of removing the rotted section.

Unfortunately, the whole stem was mushy, which I didn't realize. So with this much handling, it bent over and broke halfway through. It's still attached, with two yellowing leaves left at the top, but the core stem is mushy, now cracked/ripped part of the way, and being held up by bamboo. I still repotted, having already applied the growth hormone. I applied hydrogen peroxide and cinnamon to the crown and base of the stem that cracked.

Anything I can do now for it? The stem itself is tied to bamboo to hold it up. There are two good aerial roots that I potted in the medium in hopes they could start to support the plant. None of the other roots are really left.

Thanks if anyone has ideas!

[Pilot]

I would think there is always a chance some part of the plant would rally and pull through but either way I think you will 1) lose this plant or 2) it'll try to survive in some way but won't be a bloomer for you for a long time. I think in the interest of your own research and experience that you should press on with what you're doing in an attempt to save it because in the future, should you have a phal act like this again, you'll know exactly what to do. But with that said I doubt the plant will survive. Don't take it to heart-- sometimes there is no saving them to begin with but despite being relatively hardy plants, we occasionally get a plant from a store that already has its future set.

With that said I do believe that if the stem is rotting your plant hasn't much time or hope of pulling through. This is only from what I've read in the past-- so I may be wrong-- but it is a vital part of the plant.

[SamandAnne]

Sadly, the leaves have both come off now. Is there a way to start an orchid just with a couple roots, like you would a cutting? That's all I have left. I have them in the same bark as the plant was in, with root hormone applied to the two live roots. I couldn't really find anything on the web for this. Is it possible to start an orchid this way?

Thanks! It was such a beautiful, big bloomed orchid that I'm hoping to keep it going even with this much of a set back.

[PitcherASAMD]

Hey SamAndAnne --

I too am in the exact same situation!!! It was entertaining reading your thread here b/c everytime you said x,y and z happened I yelled, That just happened to my phal too!! I feel your pain. I've replanted mine, wrinkled leaves and all, with a few good aerial roots into a clear pot and am keeping my fingers crossed! Where did you get your growth hormone? Is it something I can find at any garden shop? Do you think it has helped at all? I wish u and your phal all the best of luck! I'm rooting for you
Katie

[SamandAnne]

Hi Katie,

Thanks. I got the root growth hormone (also called "rooting hormone") at Home Depot. It was in a small jar...kind of hard to find in the store...I just asked and they were able to find it for me.

I'm not sure if it worked. Right after I used it, both leaves fell off. So, I'm still wondering if the roots can even grow at all without leaves. The stem itself had rot, and with the handling the broke off.

I would think it's worth a try, though. The jar I bought was only about $5, and if more roots is what will help the orchid survive, sounds like it's worth a try!

Hope yours makes it, too! Like it was said in this thread, at least we're learning what signs to look for now.

I'd definately go with the clear pot in the future so I can see the roots and see better what is going on...so I can help the plant a lot earlier in the process instead of guessing.

And I learned to be VERY careful with watering, not to get anything in the crown, and to not mist the plant to avoid crown rot, too.