Psychopsis mariposa var alba

[TGargs10]

Hello all, I have a Psychopsis, as mentioned in the topic description, that has been declining for the past few months ever since I moved apartments. It was growing in a very small pot with nothing but long stranded sphagnum. I up potted it first into a coarse bark and sphagnum mix without combing out the roots (big mistake). The plant flowered a few times for me afterwards but once I moved it declined rapidly. The spikes shriveled along with the leaves. I decided to take drastic action and repot correctly removing all of the sphagnum from the roots. Most of the roots were expectantly rotten except for a few on the newest lead. Since then those living roots have not shown signs of continued growth. I have been watering it very sparingly, perhaps once every two weeks and placed it in a clear plastic container to try and raise the humidity. I just decided I would take it out of the container, as the oldest leaf has now started to yellow, and mist the roots gently once a day. I am basically going on feel here so I am hoping someone can impart some more scientific reasoning on me. Any help that can point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

[jeremyinsf]

The general idea is that psychopsis HATE to be repotted, and when they do, they sulk. When I have moved mine around, I have always soaked them in KLN first to encourage root stimulation and help with the transplant.

Do you use anything like seaweed extract? If so, now is probably a good time for a healthy dose of it. Seaweed is another kind of root simulator... it sounds like that's what you need now more than anything.

[TGargs10]

Hi Jeremy, no I am not aware of seaweed extract products with regards to orchid root stimulation. Could you refer me to a product that you have found to work for you? Thank you for your suggestion.

Tom

[RosieC]

Hi Tom,

I think many people use Kelpmax or Solo from Ray's store. Kelpmax is a seaweed supliment Ray has tested and been pleased with. Solo is a mixture of Kelpmax and MSU fertiliser so does not need to be used with a fertiliser as well like the Kelpmax.

Growth Stimulants

SOLO Nutrient/Growth Stimulant - Quart Bottle

I've not tried either of these as I live in the UK. Seaweed extract varies a lot in effectiveness depending on the type of seaweed and how it has been prepared. I've found one in the UK that works well, and Ray and others have found pleasing results from the ones he sells in the USA.

[TGargs10]

Thank you Rosie, that is some expensive stuff. I'll spring for the Solo mix as soon as I have the funds to do so. Thank you both for your input. Do you think adding a small amount of low nitrogen fertilizer to my next watering will do any good until I can get the seaweed concoction?

Tom

[RosieC]

If you already have a fertiliser you can use that. It doesn't matter too much what strength the fertiliser is as long as you mix it at the right strength.

I can't lay my hands on the current recommendation at the moment, but anything less than 10/N teaspoons per gallon is good for most orchids and many people are going for about half that these days.

(So if your fertiliser is 20-10-10 the first number represents the nitrogen N. 10/20 = 0.5 tsp per gallon. Or if you have 5-4-2 you again take the first number and 10/5 = 2 tsp per gallon. As I said many people go for half this amount these days. I've recently halved my concentrations).

---------- Post added at 04:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:47 PM ----------

Oh and while the Kelpmax/Solo might look expensive, you only need small amounts each time.

[TGargs10]

Okay I believe what I have to use is an 11-35-15. Are you saying that most orchid growers only use fertilizers with low nitrogen rates? I was under the impression that it was best to use a higher rate of nitrogen when trying to push vegetative growth as with most other taxa.

Thank so much for your suggestions. I'll give a half rate dose of fert to my Psychopsis tonight and hope for the best.

Also, I will spring for the SOLO mix as soon as my income becomes more expendable.

Tom

[RosieC]

Orchid generally need very low nitrogen, however you are right that higher levels push vegetative growth. You have to be careful about root burn however so it can be a bit of a balancing act.

I think you can use anything between half a teaspoon per gallon and one teaspoon per gallon of the stuff you have. If you want higher nitrogen go for the higher end of that.

[TGargs10]

Okay awesome. Thanks again for your input Rosie. I appreciate your help very much.

Tom