I'm back....

[katie3718]

Hi Guys,

I was on here several months ago, and ya'll gave me some good suggestions as to how to revive my dying orchid....

Well, it's been hanging in there, I repotted it, and I thought it was even getting better (there was a beautiful new leaf that popped out), BUT now the leaves are so flimsy and sickly again

I don't know what to do at this point. I've tried leaving it at different windows, I thought I did a good job grooming it when I repotted it... I'm very frustrated.

I'll post some pics. - the first one is from a couple weeks ago, and the latter 2 are more recent (leaves even droopier )

-Katie

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It's supposed to flop over like that. They don't grow upright in the wild. They invariably always try to revert back to their natural growth orientation from the wild.

[katie3718]

oh really? Well it's not so much the flopping I'm worried about, it's how wilted and icky the leaves feel.

[Discus]

I can't really make it out in the pictures (they're very small), but it looks like the potting medium you have it in is very very fine, which may be a problem. Whenever you have a problem with an orchid looking wilt-y despite adequate watering, pull it out and check the roots.

I suspect that yours will be unhappy.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Pot size may be too large. You checked the roots again?

[tim abbott]

Hi Katie3718,

Is there drainage holes in that pretty container? Could too much water be a factor? Phals do like a chunky medium. The good news is they are very resilient, yours looks pretty good to me. I've figured out quite a few ways to unknowingly abuse mine & they always have recovered.

Tim Abbott

[quiltergal]

I agree that the pot is much too large, and the media may be too fine. I can't tell for sure on the media because I can't see it that well in the pictures. Pull it out of the pot and take a look at the roots.

[katie3718]

I was actually very hesitant to buy that particular pot because I wasn't sure if it was an adequate size. The one before it was a little smaller. It does have a hole at the bottom of it, though.
So I just took the plant out of the pot, and I was shocked when I saw the way the roots look (see pic below).
When I repotted the plant a few weeks ago the roots were way greener and thick, and now they look dead and withering.
Any suggestions on what my next step is?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Miracle Gro Orchid Mix is an inappropriate mix for Phalaenopsis. It would be a more appropriate mix for Cymbidiums.

Most Phalaenopsis grow on trees in the wild.

Please click the on the following link and scroll down the page and look at the photos and read the captions:

The Kerangas

Please also read the sticky "The Phal abuse ends here." inside the Beginner Discussion forum from the very beginning, I highly recommend it.

[quiltergal]

Katie, does it have any good firm roots left? Any sign of new roots emerging?

Phals are epiphytic so not used to having the air choked off from their roots. That's what has happened here. Unless you plan to grow Cyms throw that orchid mix out. It is useless for any other type of orchid. I'm not sure where you are located so I'll list a few places you can order orchid potting supplies online. Just noticed you are a fellow Oregonian. The shipping from CalWest will be less expensive. They're down in California.

http://calwesttropical.com/ They are a good source for clear slotted plastic pots designed for orchids. Their fir bark is also of OK quality. The Coco Husk not so much.

https://www.firstrays.com/cgi/cart/commerce.cgi Ray is a member here and has first rate supplies and oodles of great free information.

rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Care - Orchid Fertilizer I think they are expensive, but sometimes I can find things here I can't find anywhere else.

If your plant has any firm roots left it may have a chance. If not you could always try sphag n bag. I've never had any luck with it but many people have.