pseduo bulbs shrinking/withering - advice

[Zoi2]

Yes the good roots get submerged, the whole rhizome needs to be under water to prevent rot. Don't worry about air, there will be tiny air bubbles on the rhizome and roots.
I would add some KLN or root hormone, but not fertilizer until you have really good root growth.
I change my "new" water culture water at least 2 times a week until they establish roots.
Sounds like you've got the basics--good luck.
Joann

[SamandAnne]

I cut off the completely dried roots, and was a little conservative with keeping some that still had some substance.

It's in a flower vase with water now, though I think I need to get one with a wider opening long term (I was surprised it was a tight fit!).

I have some photos attached, but I had a question, too. How does the water level look? I am trying to submerge the entire rhyzome, which is at different levels. There are also 2+ new growths just coming out of the rhyzome--about 1/4" long at most. It's hard to submerge the entire rhyzome without submerging them, too. Should they be above or below the water level?

There is some sunburn visible in the last pic. All is moved away from the sunny window now, to a more indirect light west window.

Thanks everyone!

[SamandAnne]

Hi, I have a follow-up on my water culture. It started up 3-4 new roots that are green (I'm guessing because they are exposed to light they are photosynthesizing?). This happened within the first month (July - August) with a small amount of root hormone added.

When I started, the new growth had some brown at the tip. I assumed this was from the sunburn. The new growth grew to several inches in length, almost the length of the other leaves. But, about a month ago (November/December) the brown spread from the tip all the way down to one segment above the base, and it has not opened up. The orchid is in a west facing window with a window blind on the bottom half and an open window on the top half. For about an hour a day direct light hits it (the new leaf may have been shaded by the other leaves, maybe not), then it is indirect light.

I've put weak fertilizer in the water on several water changes, followed by just water for the next few water changes. I've also tried some root hormone recently, but no new root growth.

Also, the house is in the mid60s during the day in the winter and 68-70 on the evenings/weekends. I can't remember the summer temps, but it does get warmer during the day and cooler at night in the house.

I'll try to post some photos tonight.

Any idea 1) what may have caused the browning to the new growth? 2) why more roots may not be growing? and 3) what if anything I need to change in what I'm doing?

Thank you! The original plant still looks green and firm, so I'm happy to have saved the plant from being dried out...but hoping to get it thriving!

[nutgirl]

Good to hear back from you! Pictures will tell a lot and I'm sure several members will chime in.

Maureen

[SamandAnne]

Thanks! Here are the photos...

[Zoi2]

Good job with the save.
The new growth that turned brown may have gotten some water down it and died.
I use fertilized water in every water change along with a bit of KLN.
Your house temps should be ok.
Joann

[SamandAnne]

Thanks. I'll change to adding fertilizer and growth hormone each time, then. Would you cut off the new growth, or maybe just let it fall off? It seems like it's falling off naturally with time. Anything else I can do to help it along?

Thanks again!

[Zoi2]

I would just let it fall naturally.
The only thing I would suggest is to just give it time. (the hardest thing of all..LOL)
Joann

[SamandAnne]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

The only thing I would suggest is to just give it time. (the hardest thing of all..LOL)

Thanks!

[SamandAnne]

You know, I was just trying to think of HOW water would have gotten in the new growth. I'm usually pretty careful with watering, because I lost a phal due to crown rot. I do mist this orchid. Would the misting have caused this? If I get another new growth at some point in the future, should I NOT mist?

Thanks for your help.

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