orchid left in hot car--can I save it?

[resprose]

Hello, all. I am new to this site and new to orchids except for one I had for a few years that finally died. I was given a Phalaenopsis that had been left in a hot car for hours. Upon getting it home, within a few days two smaller leaves turned brown and I cut them off. A flower spike is fading too, while one looks fair. There is about a 10 inch and a 6 inch leaf left that are a little brown around the edges. What should be my next steps? It is in a 4 inch pot and there are some bluish loops coming out of the pot. Should I repot and if so, how? Thanks for any help.

[Raqsharqi]

It's hard to say much without seeing it, but I'd take it out of the pot and see what condition the roots are in. If they are in good shape, you could just pot it up again with some sphagnum moss and hope for the best. You don't say where you are, and that kind of matters. All cars get hot in the summer, but I'd think a hot car in Canada would be a "cooler" hot than one in Arizona might be! If it's cooked, it's cooked. If you had it in the shade and not in direct sun in your car, your chances are better.

[resprose]

Originally Posted by Raqsharqi

It's hard to say much without seeing it, but I'd take it out of the pot and see what condition the roots are in. If they are in good shape, you could just pot it up again with some sphagnum moss and hope for the best. You don't say where you are, and that kind of matters. All cars get hot in the summer, but I'd think a hot car in Canada would be a "cooler" hot than one in Arizona might be! If it's cooked, it's cooked. If you had it in the shade and not in direct sun in your car, your chances are better.

Thanks, Raqsharqi. a little more info. this was Virginia on a 95 deg day so we're talking hot. If the roots are in good shape, should I cut the whole thing back or let it be? Also, what to do about those bluish loops coming up out of the pot

[Raqsharqi]

I don't know what you mean by bluish loops. Roots? Roots are what you want! If they are in good shape, your orchid may make it.
Can you post some photos?

[resprose]

will try. I am still learning that, too. look for it in the next few minutes. and thanks for your help

[resprose]

[Raqsharqi]

It looks great! Those loops are roots, and they look pretty good too. You can pull the plastic pot out and see if the roots inside are also in good shape. If so, you don't really have to do anything much now. I trust you watered it already. I think you can let it be until the last of the flowers fade. Then look at the thread called "Phal abuse ends here." That should tell you all you need to know.
Good luck, and enjoy your orchid!

[galeandra]

I hope the roots will be ok and you will be able to recover her, she looks beautiful

[bil]

It looks saveable. I'd repot in two inch chunks of bark and water with an ultra dilute fertilizer.