Schoenorchis seidenfadenii

[Kellybean]

Hi all,
I'm having issues with my schoenorchis seidenfadenii. It had about ten leaves when I first acquired it and has lost about half since! It has only one steadily growing root, with two others with blackened ends. I'm just not sure what is going on! I tried reducing watering to twice a week, but then the one healthy root stopped growing.
I grow mine in a wardian case in intermediate conditions with two light squirts of water a week.
How do you guys grow yours and how much water do you generally give it?


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[lotis146]

I don't grow this however for those who have experience and will help you, what do you mean you give two light squirts a week? But you also say you reduced to watering twice a week...? Can you clarify please?

Also, whereabouts are you located? Is it cold right now, hot & dry, hot & moist?

[WhiteRabbit]

[Orchidgirl83]

I do not have this particular schoenorchis, but the one I have seems to like to be a little moist. So it may need a little more water.
Expanding on what was asked earlier, what sort of water are you using? I.E. rain, tap, distilled, etc?

[Leafmite]

I do not grow this one, either. I grow Schoenorchis scolopendria and fragrans. You might want to give Andy's Orchids a call and describe the symptoms and ask his advice. He is truly an expert on orchids.

Black roots are often a sign of too much fertilizer, fertilizer build-up, or some other chemical burning them. This can also make leaves fall off.
I killed my first fragrans due to calcium deficiency, along with many of my Cattleyas. So, they seem to need a constant source of calcium (who knew?). They are also, like most Vanda-types, prone to crown rot so it is important to water in the mornings. I cut the tops off of plastic water bottles and set them inside, stick and all, to help with humidity as I am growing under lights and everything dries quickly. I put a little water in the bottom of the bottle and the stick wicks it up to the roots.