Plants that don't thrive

[Suzanne17]

What do you do with your plants that don't bloom or thrive? I find myself holding on to plants that are just lingering or stagnant (after working to improve their conditions of course) and they are taking up valuable real estate. But I have always felt odd about throwing away a live plant. Just wondering what others do. I am sure I will keep on feeding and watering these (mostly oncs) because I don't really want to deal with shipping them and they aren't nice enough to take to an orchid society.

Second question....I have a couple of phals that I mostly killed (they have roots but no leaves). I read somewhere that these might throw basal keikis but I'm wondering how long I should wait. They are still getting fed and watered too as long as they appear to have viable roots.


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[cbuchman]

I give my non-thriving orchids to others in my Orchid Society. You never know 0 they may give you something in return....

[LizB88]

I use to feel the same way about getting rid off plants that are not thriving in my care. That changed once space became an issue. Now the only plants that I keep in ICU are the once that I will have a hard time replacing. so I no longer keep just the roots around in hopes of a keiki, they take to long and like you said, they occupy precious real state that is need it for other plants.

[Zabeta]

I have the same problem with a couple plants (one oncidium and one phal). They're not really doing anything. Both are not in great shape, and they show very small signs of growth, but they're mostly not reviving themselves.

Anyway, I know how you feel. I definitely can't throw them out, but I also can't really give them away. I guess you could label them "rescue orchids" and try to sell them here or elsewhere, to see if anyone wants to try reviving them. . . .

[theloyalplum]

If I could get to a OS meeting, I would probably trade away the ones that don't like me for ones that will! If you don't want to do that, you could donate it to the OS (if it's a qualified Non-profit entity*) and get a tax deduction, while ensuring the plant's probable survival in its next home. More complicated tax requisites may apply.**

[desertanimal]

Since I'm moving, it has forced my hand and I've been giving them away here for the price off shipping. Before they go, I feel torn. Once they're gone, I feel relieved! And taking the time to mail them feels better than throwing them in the trash!


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[AnonYMouse]

I recently read that there is nothing wrong with the plant but our care for them (paraphrasing). I think genetics plays a part in 1/1000 (probably greater), so the odds are, we're at fault.

If you haven't changed your care for them, try something new. That something new can be someone new as the caretaker.

[MattWoelfsen]

If you learned anything from growing these orchids, then I would recommend buying replacements--especially the Phalaenopsis. Those rootless plants are too stark a reminder of a failed relationship! As to waiting for keiki, as others have said, they take too long to grow into blooming plants.

Your Phals probably died due to crown rot. Crown rot occurs when water is left in the leaves and sun went down and the temperature changed. Water in the morning, dry off the water that collect in the crown of the plant. Or avoid getting the center of the plant wet.

I would shred the remains and throw them in the garden as compost. Then go to the nearest store and buy replacements!

[RJSquirrel]

I throw em out. Do your fellow OS members a favor and don't give them your trash. They will appreciate that in time. Plus you if you cant guarantee you dont have a virus throw it away. Everyone will thank you for that. Throw em out, be safe, orchids are cheap.

[bil]

Originally Posted by LizB88

I use to feel the same way about getting rid off plants that are not thriving in my care. That changed once space became an issue. Now the only plants that I keep in ICU are the once that I will have a hard time replacing.

Succinct and to the point.

---------- Post added at 07:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:08 AM ----------

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

I recently read that there is nothing wrong with the plant but our care for them (paraphrasing). I think genetics plays a part in 1/1000 (probably greater), so the odds are, we're at fault.

If you haven't changed your care for them, try something new. That something new can be someone new as the caretaker.

I use the damaged ones as training aids to rescue the dying in the hope that if I ever have something worth saving, I'll know what not to do.

---------- Post added at 07:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:10 AM ----------

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

If you learned anything from growing these orchids, then I would recommend buying replacements--especially the Phalaenopsis. Those rootless plants are too stark a reminder of a failed relationship! As to waiting for keiki, as others have said, they take too long to grow into blooming plants.

Your Phals probably died due to crown rot. Crown rot occurs when water is left in the leaves and sun went down and the temperature changed. Water in the morning, dry off the water that collect in the crown of the plant. Or avoid getting the center of the plant wet.

I would shred the remains and throw them in the garden as compost. Then go to the nearest store and buy replacements!

Good post, the only thingg I would say tho is that water in the crown per se is no threat. I deliberately wet mine down and fill the crown out of spite.. Not lost one yet that I have done this to and I have been doing it for the last year religiously.
However, as Matt says, I do NOT water like that when the orchids are too cold, and I don't water late in the day. IMO, also it is cold or heat that will damage the crown, or stress it so much that the water chills it beyond recovery.

---------- Post added at 07:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:13 AM ----------

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

I throw em out. Do your fellow OS members a favor and don't give them your trash. They will appreciate that in time.

That is so true. I will give a plant to someone IF IT IS IN GOOD ORDER, otherwise, I bin it.