Help with Chocolate Drop 'Volcano Queen'

[KongFuzi]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and to growing orchids. I bought two of these plants in the gift shop at the hospital where I work. One of them had great smelling blooms that sadly died off. They seem to be doing OK, but the one that bloomed has already lost two leaves and I want to prevent any further damage to these great plants. So...looking to learn more about the plants and keep them alive. Thanks.

KF

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Hi, Kong Fuzi (aka Confucius ). Welcome to the OB.

1. The media is too wet.

2. The pot looks like it's got no drainage.

If you can get a close up of the roots, I can determine whether it'll recover easily, or if you've got a long battle ahead of you (with the possibility of losing the plant, btw).

Again, I won't know unless there's a pic of the roots.

Others can also chime in and give their own advice too.

[camille1585]

I was going to make similar remarks as Philip. It doesn't look like that pot has drainage, or if it does it's probably one little hole. Your medium looks a bit old as well. What is it potted in?

[CTB]

Did these orchids have a tag, what is the complete name? I think they need to be repotted in bark chip in a pot with lots of drain holes.

[camille1585]

The only Chocolate Drop 'Volcano Queen' I know of is a Cattleya, but this plant seems to have too many leaves to be a Catt...

[tuvoc]

Looks like some sort of Dendrobium to me. A repot is definitely in order. It doesn't look too bad, yet. Good luck, and if you have any more questions, ask away.

Kim

[orchids3]

It sure looks like a dendrobium to me. The canes look shriveled - maybe from too little water or the media is old and the roots have died giving the same effect. Some dendrobiums will drop leaves if they get cool and others loose leaves naturally. Would need a closer look at this plant to be sure what the problem is.

[Pampered]

Looks like a den to me too. I believe you need to get a new pot with more holes for the plant to air and drain. I'm not sure if your baby has already been diseased at its roots which have been living in such old wet medium showed. As Philip said, a pic of roots will help us help you more. But right now you need a new pot with good drainage Den is easy to survive. Good luck!