Crown Rot- give up?

[Izzie]

Or go buy a sympathy orchid that I can't really afford?

I know, I know, everyone and their uncle has made a thread along the lines of "ohemgee I did ____ to my orchid and it's on the brink of death what do I doooo?!?!?!"

But, I'm part of "everyone" so I feel the need to make my own as well.


Subject: dearest Phal. aphrodite subsp. formosana.
Beautiful root system turned to jelly by an aggressive mold a month ago.
Been sitting in damp hydroton until I got some new root growth, and then was either going to be mounted or potted in CHC.

Like an IDIOT, I did not cut away the old leaf sheaths after a couple leaves were used for energy and fell off.

Cut them away today, and discovered black rot all the way into the "heart" of the crown.

Dunked in Hydrogen Peroxide, cut away the infection, and had a glass of wine.


It's now in a pseudo-sphag-and-bag set up that's basically a tupperware with a damp paper towel in one corner, vented plastic wrap over the top, and a low-watt reptile heat mat underneath.


I found this guy in a GROCERY STORE. It rocks. I'd hate to lose it. Should I have faith and try to save it, or just cut my losses?


ETA: Oh. yeah. you probably want a picture.


In bloom:



ETA: btw. that's cinnamon. Not some crazy mold.

[Royal]

I don't think it's worth exerting much energy over. When I have something I just can't bear to toss (but I know I really should), I just stick it in a corner and let it fend for itself. If it wants to pull through it will.

[Izzie]

I just want to cry. But I hate giving up on this. So angry with myself. And these are hard to find for cheap!!!!

[Call_Me_Bob]

I'm feelin for ya. What alot of people in know will do is this. They will take it out of the pot and everything. Let it sit in the corner or somewhere and just forget about it. No water or anything. When it sprouts roots, pot it up. When it turns to mush, toss it out.

It's a shame! Thats a lovely flower

Promise yourself you will buy another one as soon as you can afford it. this one probably rotted because it was lonely

[Izzie]

Lol thanks Bob, I appreciate it.

[Call_Me_Bob]

No problemo! **thumbs up**

[nenella]

I agree with above 'verdicts' - Don't give up just yet...
But In order to 'try' & save it you want to take the cinnamon off the roots and leaves... doesn't mean it Will definitely grow but it may have a chance... You have a new leaf forming + looks like roots arn't totally gone!
You need to be careful where you put cinnamon as it dries plant tissue out, & it looks like you have some cinnamon powder on good tissue...
this is what I would do - here's where I mean:-





apologies not pro..hope it gives you the idea
Orchids are tough if you have the patience they can reward you...
Good Luck!

[Call_Me_Bob]

I have one that lost two leaves to crown of but I revived it an it's alive still!

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by Royal

I don't think it's worth exerting much energy over. When I have something I just can't bear to toss (but I know I really should), I just stick it in a corner and let it fend for itself. If it wants to pull through it will.

I vote for this one...

[Lovecats]

Originally Posted by help

. Let it sit in the corner or somewhere and just forget about it. No water or anything. When it sprouts roots, pot it up. When it turns to mush, toss it out.

Promise yourself you will buy another one as soon as you can afford it. this one probably rotted because it was lonely

I agree!!! Good luck!