I'm sure you've heard it before...

[Mellee]

Okay, picture #1 should show you the pot situation. It came from the store in the gray one (with a mostly moss some planting soil mixture in it and I forgot that there was a green plastic pot with a drain hole in it inside the gray one), and was transplanted into the white one. I did not pull it from the gray one for over a year, but it seemed to flourish...flowers, healthy leaves, grew some new stems that never developed into buds, and grew air roots. After the leaves started looked dull and some fuzzy green mold appeared on the outside of the pot, I knew it was waning. I replanted it the first time. Viable roots at that time, though some were rotted. I removed all debris. Then the bark planting, and a steep decline. Now in moss layer, bark layer moss layer with stone drainage at the bottom. However the moss is wet. Should I take out the wet moss and replace it with dry and let this plant be really dry for a while? Clearly it is shocking every time I pull it out of the medium. If I do that, then I can photo what is left of the root system for you...picture two is my gardening friend. She thinks something is wrong too...(Thanks for all the support)

[kindrag23]

Hmmm seems like you have a very nosy kitty. but glad she is helping you out.

When exactly did you move it over?

What type of light is it currently getting?

[Mellee]

Its been in a windowsill that faces west, (We are in SC so it gets some pretty bright afternoon light). However, there is light and heat filtering film on that window. The A/C vent is in the ceiling above the window. I did the first transplant into the bark about the first week in August. The newest transplant moss, then bark/moss started last evening. That's when I saw the root structure had basically collapsed. The core of the root structure (is it called that) or crown seems solid still. The said to soak the moss and so I did, so the bark is dry right now, the moss layers are wet. I have the option to move it to the front porch where it is humid, and overshadowed, and can be 85-90 degrees right now. I'm concerned about more shock, obviously, though that ship may have sailed!

---------- Post added at 01:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------

yes, Nipsey is not only nosey, but determined. She wouldn't get out of the shot!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Pot might be too large.

The plant has at least 1 good root that I can see.

If this plant is really declining in health, I would have to say it would be very salvageable given that you have at least 1 good root on the plant. But I'm also sure, that that 1 root is not alone.

I would probably repot into a smaller functional pot, and place the functional pot with the plant inside the decorative pot.

Bark with a moss top dressing is fine.

The plant looks like it's receiving the proper amount of light.

It doesn't look overly dehydrated either.

I also wouldn't put this orchid near an A/C vent. The air coming out of it might be too dry. It would also be blowing cool air onto an orchid that grows in tropical southeast Asian swamp forests.

Got any more questions, go ahead and ask.

I also recommend reading the sticky: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

As a heads up, this sticky is a long one. You can choose to read the whole thing, or you can choose to read the first 15 pages and the last 5 pages.

[Mellee]

I like the idea of repotting into a functional pot. I think I will do a clear one inside the decorative pot I have. I will look for a window that doesn't have an A/C vent, but typically, vents are placed in the ceilings above windows and doors, in this area. There are THREE good roots, so I am encouraged! I have been reading my way through "The Phal Abuse..." and I think there are lots of great tips there. Thanks so much, King...or is it, Your Grace? LOL. Off to repot!

[Mellee]

So pleased to share with you all that 2 weeks later, the plant looks good. I know it will be some while before we see total recovery, but the leaves are shiny, deep green and turgid. Maybe, just maybe it will be okay. Hope I haven't jinxed anything. Thank you, everyone! Now I want to buy more varieties! I'll need a bigger house...

[Mellee]

Now, several (3) months later, after following the advice of The Orchid King in repotting, I have an orchid that has 2 new leaves, and two new roots! All the other leaves are in good condition and healthy. So very pleased. Thank you.

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by Mellee

Now, several (3) months later, after following the advice of The Orchid King in repotting, I have an orchid that has 2 new leaves, and two new roots! All the other leaves are in good condition and healthy. So very pleased. Thank you.

Yay, it's awesome that you have had positive results after repotting!

[The Orchid Boy]

Don't know about you but I overwater in bark (unless in a clear pot) and do great with moss with everything. Lots of people think bark is totally dry when it isn't.

[james mickelso]

Why would a clear pot make any difference?