need advice on two orchids - Orchid Board

GypsyV · #1 10-25-2011, 01:20 AM

I am a beginner orchid grower. I have two and they both need help.
The one is a Phal that I got on clearance at the grocery store, I looked for the one with the most green roots, however in the last few weeks most of those roots have rotted. I would poor some water in the pot every week or so, then I let the soil/bark get moist all the way through about two weeks ago.
I took it out of the pot last night, and cut all the rotten/dead roots off, it has about 5 good roots left. The soil was propably wrong for it, it was mostly crumbly and smelled like topsoil mixed with alittle bark chips.

Second plant is an Onicedum, I bought because it was a leftover from an orchid sale and I got it cheap. It was in bark chip and it was hard to get any water to all the rooted. Plus the cats kept knocking it over. When I unpotted it most of the roots were dry and shriveled. I pulled off what was loose or hanging.

I did not repot them because I was gonna mix there soils together and split it between them but the one with topsoil had tiny bugs in the soil. So I have them lightly covered with a paper towel and I will mist the roots however often you say I should until this weekend when I can get real orchid soil. BTW, I don't use any fertilizer.

Thanks

Bud · #2 10-25-2011, 03:17 AM

Welcome and Hello ! Sit back, relax and read postings from some of our members where you can glean precious knowledge on how to care for your orchids based on their wealth of experience...post pictures so we can help you better...and post on your profile your grow zone and your location in the USA

GypsyV · #3 10-25-2011, 04:25 AM

I was wrong, the second is actually this Odontioda (Oda.) Hot Pants 'Hot to Trot' I went and got the pot and actually, finally looked it up. I am in shock it is gorgeous.

I will get a pic tomorow.

Discus · #4 10-25-2011, 05:31 AM

Hi GypsyV, sounds like the phalaenopsis in particular needs a repot; see if you can get some orchid potting mix (bark based) and repot it; it's usually a good idea to rinse it before use, and then once you've repotted the plant, give the pot with the plant in it a soak for about 20 minutes in water so the bark can get nice and damp - and then only water again once it's pretty dry.

Good luck!

Johnnyb · #5 10-25-2011, 08:20 AM

I couldnt agree more with discus. If you want to keep the plants alive, it sounds like they really need new potting medium. If you go to Lowe's they usually have several different types of bagged orchid medium. I have purchased it there several times and had wonderful luck with it. You Oda. more then likely will benifit from new potting medium also. One thing that would likely help you to prevent over watering is the use of a bamboo skewers. All you need is a bamboo skewer, place it in the container your phal is in, and your Oda. When you place it in the conatiner with them be very sure to have it as close to the center of the container as possible. It will be very near to the roots then. Check it every other day by pulling it out and rubbing it on the underside of your arm(anywhere sensitive). You need to feel for moisture. Make sure you have a dry piece for reference. As soon as its almost completely dry it is time to water. If you have your plant in a clear plastic container it is even easier to tell how much moisture is in the conatainer. Dont forget orchids like humid enviroments. If you want to mist them, thats fine. Just make sure you only mist the leaves, dont soak them. This can help keep your plants happy. I hope this helps a little bit!

-Johnny B

orchidsamore · #6 10-25-2011, 08:48 AM

This is a good example of beginners buying 'cheap' plants that are actually overpriced.

The Phal was close to dead when you bought it. When the medium is that old the roots in the medium are usually dead already.

The aerial roots that you see outside the pot are insufficient to maintain the plant in a home. They require constant overhead watering like we have in greenhouses.

They always deteriorate in a home and by stores selling them they only make you think you did something wrong, whereas, it was hopeless when you bought it.

The Oncidium Intergeneric is perfectly happy when the roots are pot bound like you describe. You can easily water this type of plant by placing it in a bucket of water for 5-10 minutes.

Once a week is enough and put about a 1/2 teaspoon of low phosphorus fertilizer in the bucket.