I think I killed it but I don't know...

[kariwojo]

I purchased a Colm. Kilauea 'Pacific Flair' orchid from the botanical garden near me. It has "fat" leaves--almost like pods. It was fine until last summer when I moved, when I left it outside in the sun for awhile & it burned it. Then, I overwatered it, and I could tell the leaves were rotting. I took it out of the soil and let it dry out. Its roots are still there, but the pod-like leaves are now brown & a bit crispy. Any suggestions? Should I repot it, give it a good soaking, and just let it sit & see what happens? Should I clip off the brown leaves?

[Orchidreamer]

Remove any dead leaves and check the roots (and remove any dead roots). You said the leaves are brown...but what about the pseudobulbs? Pbulbs are the green bulb-like structures that the leaves are attached to. If the pbulbs are still alive then the plant has some chance of surviving.

Well you said you overwatered it, so for now, keep on the dry side. Repot in a new mix and don't water too much. If your plant really had lost a lot of roots, then you should try to keep up the humidity. You can do so by putting the plant inside a plastic bag, but open the bag periodically to improve air movement.

Also if the leaves keep rotting, you might have to spray with a fungicide. Good luck with your plant.

[kariwojo]

Well, I don't see any pseudobulbs....and the roots are dry & brown. They remind me of chow mein noodles, but they don't break off too easily.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Soil? As in potting soil?

This is not a terrestrial growing plant. It grows on trees. It shouldn't be grown in potting soil.

[kariwojo]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Soil? As in potting soil?

This is not a terrestrial growing plant. It grows on trees. It shouldn't be grown in potting soil.

I've potted it in orchid mix--mostly just bark.

[quiltingwacko]

Hi Kari
Now you wait to see what happens. Orchid bark potting mix should be fine. If all else fails and it dies, buy another orchid. We have all murdered several while we were learning about orchids. Carol

[kariwojo]

Thanks guys! My mom told me last night to quit torturing the poor plant, and bury it & put it out of its misery...