Help with my Dend... a lot of problems?

[stefpix]

I got coconut husks from a guyanese stand in the west indian neighborhood. bought one to drink and collected a few husks they were throwing away.

some gardening store have "bricks" of compressed coconut chips or coconut soil that expand in water.
I think i will go for that instead of bark. absorbs more humidity yet it is porous and lets air in.

[Norton]

The type of gravel you want would be about the size of a pea. I buy mine from a local pet store but you can find it other places I am sure. Gravel has some big advantages as a growing media for Den Phals. It does not become saturated even when soaking the pot. The plant can take a good drink but when the pot is removed the excess water will flow right out. This is important because these plants do not like wet feet. Gravel also does not decay. The plant can remain undisturbed until it really needs a repotting. Den Phals are often top heavy and they like small pots. The weight of the rock helps keep them from falling over. There are many ways to grow orchids. The trick is to find what works for YOU. This is just my experience. Keep trying different things and you will be successful.

[kjp8128]

What kind of pot are you using? As a first time orchid owner it is good to plant in a clear orchid pot. This will allow you to see how the roots are doing. These pots are really cheap online or you could find them at a near by store. You will need holes at the bottom and if there aren't any slits on the side you cut holes with a knife. The holes allow air to circulate within the pot so you are more apt to not get root rot.

Also one more thing to think of. I see that your plant is tall, but don't let this fool you about re potting. You should look at the roots when deciding a pot for your den. You said that you had to cut alot of the roots off. Make sure the new pot is a goos size for your roots. It sound like you could possibly use a small one.

As for the medium, I would report it in the medium suggested "AOS endorsed better grow real bark and coal and perlite" Moss simply stays wet too long.

Any time you need help just ask. the Orchid Board has been very helpful to me.
Good luck and Welcome to Orchid Board!

[christinalkc]

Thank you for welcoming me to the board!

I am still using the same pot that the orchid came in. It's clear plastic pot, 4" pot. The pot has like 8 holes measuring 1/4" each at the bottom but I made more 1/8" holes on the side just to allow more air in.

I have just changed the mix to Better-Gro Special Orchid Mix (endorsed by AOS) based on recommendation of many members here. I have read it is good to keep the orchid's surrounding humid so I put a few pieces of rock at the bottom of the decorative pot with some water. I made sure my clear orchid pot isn't touching the water, but just sitting on the rocks.

Also I have removed like 99% of the roots because I am not sure if they are dead or rotting or healthy. They looked off-white or slightly light brown, dry, thin and hard. I also noticed one new cane trying to grow. I hope this is a good sign!

I hope that will help to bring my beloved orchid back to life Thank you so much for all the help!

Cheers..

Originally Posted by kjp8128

What kind of pot are you using? As a first time orchid owner it is good to plant in a clear orchid pot. This will allow you to see how the roots are doing. These pots are really cheap online or you could find them at a near by store. You will need holes at the bottom and if there aren't any slits on the side you cut holes with a knife. The holes allow air to circulate within the pot so you are more apt to not get root rot.

Also one more thing to think of. I see that your plant is tall, but don't let this fool you about re potting. You should look at the roots when deciding a pot for your den. You said that you had to cut alot of the roots off. Make sure the new pot is a goos size for your roots. It sound like you could possibly use a small one.

As for the medium, I would report it in the medium suggested "AOS endorsed better grow real bark and coal and perlite" Moss simply stays wet too long.

Any time you need help just ask. the Orchid Board has been very helpful to me.
Good luck and Welcome to Orchid Board!