Synopsis of my hurting Phalaenopsis - Orchid Board

Elie · #1 03-02-2010, 09:03 AM

Restorative suggestions welcome!

Last Passover one of our friends brought over a then beautiful Phalaenopsis.

And while i have enjoyed our time together and long for more it; I am not sure if my orchid feels the same way.

The plant has three leaves in varying states of health
A - slightly burned/brown/flimsy due to run-in with candle, etc.

B- Green/firm and seemingly healthy

C - Half healthy/half rotten yellowing from the base of leaf. Black spot.

i trimmed back the stem roughly six months ago. It appears the plant made a couple efforts at throwing up new stems but those now appear like dehydrated alien fingers resting in my moss bed.

There was quite a bit of white, chalky accumulation around the plant recently. I thought this may be natural but its spread seemed excessive and I recently removed what i could of this substance.

So, is this goodbye my Phalaenopsis? Please say it ain't so.

Thank you!

Donald · #2 03-02-2010, 10:35 AM

A picture would help. As for the "candle" leafs I'd personally leave them alone. The half healthy ones may have gotten crown rot. I would trim,with a sterile tool, and touch up the leaf cuts with cinammon. Those "new stems" sound like they might be roots. I'm sure you'll get a lot better info from others on this site but don't throw it away. Orchids are very tough.

Elie · #3 03-02-2010, 03:35 PM

Donald for your posting! Thank you.

When you say trim the leaf that may have gotten crown rot, where should I trim it at its base? Trim off the rot?

Your guidance is most appreciated.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #4 03-02-2010, 05:17 PM

Photos are a good way to show people what is happening to your plant.

The cause of the problems for the Phalaenopsis is most likely caused by improper cultural techniques.

There is a book by Stephen A. Frowine that deals specifically with Phalaenopsis.

You may also do a search on the OB search engine for the many threads that contain countless information about Phalaenopsis culture. Some complete with photos.

Elie · #5 03-03-2010, 04:21 PM

Please see the attached photos of my plant.

Any guidance, thoughts, recommendations, or prayers are appreciated!

Thank you very mulch!

~Elie

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 03-03-2010, 05:13 PM

Have you checked the roots of your Phalaenopsis and are you able to take a photo of what they look like?

Right now, my recommendation is to remove it from the pot and discard the moss. I suggest using large grade bark sold especially for orchid growing instead.

The plant may not have any living roots on it at all, just so you know. However, it's better to check than to assume.

Elie · #7 03-03-2010, 05:35 PM

King: Thank you for the question. I will take a peak at my plant's roots and if healthy, re-pot in your recommended medium.

Thank you.

camille1585 · #8 03-03-2010, 08:43 PM

The 'chalky growth' looks suspiciously like mealy bugs! Those are probably contributing to the poor state of health of the plant, as they are sucking the life out of it. You need to treat this plant asap!

Judi · #9 03-03-2010, 08:46 PM

The white things on your chid are not good--looks like you have a bad case of mealy bugs! Definately get rid of all the moss, dead leaves, clean off the roots and leaves, and repot. Check any other plants you have to make sure the bugs havn't spread.

dounoharm · #10 03-03-2010, 09:24 PM

you have a severe infestation of mealy bugs...do not repot untill you have soaked in soapy water and scrubbed all the bugs off! after that, repot whats left in clean fresh media, a large bark mix, and spray with a good insecticide to get any remaining mealies...you reallly have to spray every week for 3 weeks then once a month for prevention...find a good insecticide which kills mealies and one that you can live with....i recommend a good systemic...gl