Feeling Like an Orchid Failure

[Neverend]

Take note that orchids not only need watering, but also high humidity to grow well.

[shakkai]

I think that Neverend has a good point. Your Haraella looks really dessicated - although there are fresh green roots coming along that look good. So it appears like it is trying to adjust to its new environment. Its just that the leaves look like they are losing too much water to the environment.

I would get a humidity meter and see what it says. In my experience, the trays of pebbles in water have little to no effect on humidity. If the humidity is really low, invest in a humidifier (which could also provide air circulation, bonus!) and your plants will thank you for it!

I will agree that Brassias like A LOT of light (because I'm so far North, that equates to all but full direct midday sun for me). I have been a bit more adventurous lately, but mostly I stick to orchids that "fit" with the environment that I have (cool, mid to low light) and this makes things much easier, and successful.

[slipperfreak]

I also think the point about low humidity is a good one. A humidifier is a really good investment. Another good one could be a min/max thermometer-hygrometer combo. This really helped me out.

If you switch to clear plastic pots you'll be able to tell when your orchids need water easier, as well. You can even use clear plastic cups and cut holes in the base for drainage. I think you should start trying to water on a more regular basis instead of soaking them every once in a while. You still want to soak them well when you do it, but it looks like you're waiting too long between waterings and the roots are drying out. Once the roots become papery and crumble between your fingertips (leaving an inner wiry core) they are dead.

[Ray]

Your watering is definitely an issue. Your orchids should never stand in a tray of water (unless they are in semi-hydro culture, of course). Doing so can suffocate the roots.

Try this instead: water very heavily with tepid water, wait 30 minutes and do it again. (The first waterng moistens up the medium and allows it to absorb more the second time.) Then move it back to its normal growing place, but not standing in a tray of water. Repeat the process just before the medium totally dries out again.

[Blondie]

OK, I'm going to implement the new watering situation. I only leave the watering trays there so everything can drain out and then I remove them. If you don't use a watering tray, how do you keep from getting puddles of water all over the place? Just to be clear, you are saying to run them under the tap and then do it again and then put them back. Perhaps on top of something with a watering tray underneath for them to drain in, but not sitting IN the tray. Yes?

This summer, I felt like I had a good amount of humidity because it was HOT and sticky in ye ole Chicago. But as the weather is changing, humidity is going to be a huge issue. I will invest in a humidifier. I had one last winter, but it spit out white dust all over the house and it was awful!! But the kitties will be happy to have another humidifier so I don't snap them all the time when I pet them.

[Blondie]

Oh, one more question: Should I cut the dark roots off that mini? Any suggestions for how to revive it or is it beyond hope?

[Ray]

Maybe I misunderstood... having a tray to catch drainage is fine, but don't let the plants stand in water permanently (which is what I thought your were describing).

In that case, I will still vote that the root zone is the issue, and either you're WAAAAY underwatering, or the medium is too compact for the plant, and it's suffocating the roots.

[orchids3]

Hi Blondie,
Not a "Legend in my own Mind" so that I would call myself an expert. Have several thousand orchids including around 2500 cymbidiums. I too loose a plant once in a while and its always the one I like the best or
have the greatest hope for. Lots of people overwater their plants and this leads to death of the roots and death. A lot of plants that are sold in home centers should be repotted right away. The vendors only want plants to get to market and be sold. After that it is up to growers to recognize growing media that stays too wet. Wet roots die and lead to plant death or bacterial
rot of the whole plant. Hope you can find a good grower in an orchid society to consult and copy. The people who have plants that are many years old are the ones to copy. Get more plants so you dont worry about each one so much. Orchids seem to like company.

[Twilight Orchid]

Hey Blondie, don't feel blue - I feel the same way sometimes about my plants.....I bought my very first orchid two summers ago, and it was so beautiful, with so many blooms...but then...I killed it.....killed it good....by my curse of overwatering!! LOL.....I've had many houseplants kick the bucket simply because I've overwatered them........fortunately I'm getting better at it, but I find it difficult to gauge how much my orchids need as far as water goes.....Good luck with your "babies"....