"Just Add ice" orchid dying?

[Pinkster]

Ive never had an orchid before and saw the Just Add Ice Orchids at walmart. After reading about them on here I am embarrassed

I have cherished this plant since I got it. Its beautiful and am in love with it!

The roots turned a little gray-brown on the ends, so I clipped 'em. I don't know if that was the right thing to do. Its weird because I hear if they are that color they need water. but I think there is a little white mold on the roots...so I am totally unsure. It has SO many beautiful buds that I know are probably gonners

It was snowing when I bought it and to make matters worse walmart has them right next to the front entry....and its VERY cold with a hot draft as the have heaters right there.

Ive had it about a week and only watered it once with the cubes.

I am adding some pics in a moment.

[quiltergal]

Welcome to Orchid Board! You've come to the right place for help. If your plant is a Phalaeonopsis then don't "water" with ice. That seems to be the latest gimmick to get people to think orchids are easy to grow. Phals like to be warm and watered with lukewarm water. I'm sure they really don't appreciate ice water. Put it in a warm spot that receives bright indirect light. I'd recommend repotting as a precaution. So many plants come from BB stores with their roots wound up in a tight sphagnum moss ball that rots their roots. You never want to cut roots unless they are mushy and rotten. If you can post pictures that would be helpful.

[Pinkster]

Heres some pics. My beautiful Orchid pictures by cfree85 - Photobucket

[quiltergal]

Pinkster, it looks very healthy. The silvery coating on the roots is called velamen. It acts as a sponge for soaking up water and will turn green when fully hydrated. When the roots turn silvery white again that's when it's time to water. Pay attention to the roots down in the bottom of the pot as they will be slower to dry than the aerial roots on the top. You should be able to see them though the clear plastic pot. I don't see any mold.

[Pinkster]

Thanks for your input! This is what I cut off... hope I did the right thing.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...d/P1020400.jpg

[quiltergal]

Next time just cut the dried up part off. I don't think it will hurt it though.

[flhiker]

Hi and welcome to the OB. I'm in the minority on this one, but As far as Ice goes I do it and it works for me. (I've stopped killing them). shoot who doesn't like a little ice in there water. LOL Although it is a little inconvenient to try and place them just right. These plants do not like to be over watered and definitely do not allow water to sit on or around the base of the leafs it will cause crown rot. Ice does eliminate this problem. My arieal roots dry out within a couple hours after I water them so make sure you check how much moisture in the medium before watering again.
I agree with Terri about the roots and all I would add it to cover the cut with some ground Cinnamon power. It's a natural antibiotic.
Good luck and I hope I helped.

[Pinkster]

so I am so bummed out. I watered it today and i see a bunch of little white bugs everywhere....I did some searches on here and basically its "just the tip of the iceburg"

I am gonna see if walmart has systemic insecticide but im sure my husband is gonna freak that its gonna cost more than the plant was. Should I just take it back? I really love it and it has 5 blooms and I was so excited!

[quiltergal]

Do the bugs look fluffy and white? Kind of like lint. If they aren't and are rather fast moving little critters they are most likely Springtails. They show up in decomposing media to eat the fungus. That's a sure sign it's time to repot. If they are the former you have Mealie bugs. Return it ASAP.

[Izzie]

I agree, return it and try starting again with a healthier plant- it will be less discouraging, and a better start for a beginner.
Don't give up! Start fresh and try again now that you have more information.

If you can, post pictures of the insects- we can tell you what they are, and you'll know how to combat them next time.