Any help with this Lc Mildred Rives 'Orchidglade'

[Queenslander]

Was given this Cat.Lynn Spencer 'Pearl' x Lc Mildred Rives 'Orchidglade' in Nov. 2010 at my Orchid Club meeting. Have had in shadehouse through summer, not much has happened since then. One leaf and when unpotted, looks like this. A couple of the roots are green, but not much else happening on the rhizome. Any thoughts on this orchid. I would hate to lose this orchid, as I believe it is an award winning orchid. Your advice would be appreciated.

[silken]

Was the orchid any better when you received it? I ask, to determine if what you are doing has caused root loss or not. What kind of potting media has it been in and what temps was it growing in?

I would soak the base of the plant in some water laced with K-L-N and possibly Super thrive for a few hours. Then pot it in fir bark that has been soaked in same type of water. Pot the plant in a small pot and secure well, as plants that jiggle have trouble developing roots. Let it dry well between watering. I put thin bamboo kebab skewers in my pots now and pull them out to see if they are dry before watering catts. I would mist the base occasionally with more water that has K-L-N until it has some roots. It may help to have on a heat mat and out of too much sun to avoid stress. Good luck with it. I have had a few poor looking catts make a recovery in this way so hope yours does.

[Queenslander]

The chid. I think, was like this when given to me. One leaf and that's that. Has been potted in bark, lava rock, charcoal, etc. Temps here in Australia have been around 28 deg.C. I have kept it in shadehouse all this time, with weekly fertilizing etc. along with my other 40 orchids. I have to ask, Silken what is K-L-N?

[silken]

It sounds like you are doing OK with it. K-L-N is a Dyna-Gro product. It is a rooting hormone. You add about 1 tsp to a gallon of water and people use it when re-potting or for a struggling plant. I would think you can buy Dyna-Gro products in Australia. SuperThirve is similar but has other vitamins and hormones and seems to do more than just help roots. Many orchid and hydroponic places sell K-L-N. Good luck with the orchid. It always amazes me how hardy they are and since it has pseudobulbs, it can go a long time without roots. I do find leaving the plant a bit drier makes them grow roots.

[Queenslander]

10months on, I have to report good news. Perseverence, patience have paid off. I don't know why though, as I probably will have to wait another 1 - 2 years before a bloom. Still hardly any roots. Amazing.

[silken]

Congrats! It sounds like a long time, but eventually it will reward you with blooms!

[Roy]

Pot the plant as you would if it were health in PURE perlite. Small pot & place it with your other plants. Make sure you wash clean the present root area.

[Queenslander]

Perlite only Roy? As there are no roots, how would I stabilize it in perlite?

[Roy]

Originally Posted by Queenslander

Perlite only Roy? As there are no roots, how would I stabilize it in perlite?

Yes, perlite only.
I put 2 or 3 stakes in & tye the plant that way, it works well. I've started many a back cut or poor root Catt' this way.

[sherry2012]

Thank you to share,it's much appreciated！