Saving an overwatered Dendrobium - Orchid Board

Chippy28 · #1 12-31-2007, 09:33 PM

Hello everyone! I stumbled upon this forum the other day while searching for a way to save a Dendrobium. While I have already picked up a lot of good information, I want to make sure that I give this orchid a good shot at living.

Anyway, about a year ago my boss was given a Dend and then proceeded to over water it. I doubt that it was ever allowed to dry out. Well, he gave up on it the other day and I rescued it out of the garbage. Upon closer inspection most of the plant is rotted, including what looks like all of the roots. I followed the sphag n bag protocol, but I am beginning to have second thoughts about it. I know this the dry period for Dends, should I allow it to dry out or should I continue with the sphag n bag? I seem to be growing some white mold as a result, I assume I should get some Thiomyl or Physan. Where can you purchase these products? Finally, I know that you are supposed to cut off all rotting areas, but I can't seem bring myself to cut off all the dead roots. Will removing all the roots cause undo damage?

I currently grow a handful of Phals and have done pretty well with them. I have never attempted to grow a Dend, much less a very sick one. I know that the chance of this orchid of making it is slim to none, but any tips or advice would be helpful. I am just not ready to give up on it yet. Thanks so much!

Becca · #2 12-31-2007, 11:05 PM

Welcome to the OB Chippy! Sphag-n-bag takes a while, like 2 to 3 months, sometimes it doesn't always work, maybe some more experienced members can give their opinions, but part of me wants to say toss it back in the trash, it will take so long for it to recover, I know I often loose patience. But on the other hand, it can be very rewarding to bring an orchid back and see it bloom. I have only been able to bring a handfull back, but I haven't been growing long enough to see them bloom. I have thrown my fair share in the trash, it gets easier as time goes by, I promise! If you decide to keep it, I have found great success with potting in sphag. moss and keeping it in a warm humid environment with good air circulation. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Undergrounder · #3 01-01-2008, 12:39 AM

If the canes are rotted as well as the roots then there's not much of a chance. If there are some un-rotten parts on a new leafless cane you can cut them off above and below a node, stick em on sphag and they might grow a new plant.

If not, well if the roots really are rotten they're useless and will just help everything else rot. So cut them. The canes themselves hold a tonne of water so it'll survive OK without roots for a long time.

I have tried sphag-n-bag but for me mould just took over. With no air exchange in a bag like that, mould is likely to go nuts. You could try sitting it in Sphagnum and putting it in a cool place.

Chippy28 · #4 01-01-2008, 03:14 PM

Thanks so much for the info. I think I am going to attempt to save this little guy. I guess I am just a sucker for orchids that need saved!

quiltergal · #5 01-01-2008, 04:20 PM

Chippy, I think bringing orchids back from death's doorstep is a great learning experience. If you can save it and get it to rebloom for you, you have the skills to grow most anything.

Gladys47 · #6 01-01-2008, 06:12 PM

Something in my brain won't allow me to give up till I have a piece if totally dried out stick or black rotten mush. I'm a real sucker for trying to save hopeless plants of a kind! But sometims I get god surprises and that feels really good and makes the plant EXTRA special! Glady

Becca · #7 01-01-2008, 06:38 PM

Well I just found scale on an orchid I have been nursing for a while, it is a oncidium hybrid, I don't want to mess with scale so I tossed it.

Undergrounder · #8 01-02-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becca

Well I just found scale on an orchid I have been nursing for a while, it is a oncidium hybrid, I don't want to mess with scale so I tossed it.

Just one little itty bitty scale and you tossed the oncidium? I like messing with scale. They're my favourite pest.

Becca · #9 01-02-2008, 11:20 AM

I found two itty bitty scale, and who knows where the rest were hiding. I don't take chances.....and I was tired of nursing the 'chid back to health...plus, the weak tend to attract pests. I love oncidiums, but I have been wanting to get more into the miniature orchids, and I have been nursing this one back to health for quite sometime and my patience I guess ran out for this one...lol.

Chippy28 · #10 01-05-2008, 12:00 AM

I am so glad that I am not the only one that feels compelled to save these guys.

I am hoping for good results this time around as well.