Need help with sick phals - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Orchid Whisperer · #11 10-30-2015, 10:54 AM

As long as the warmer part of your house is not pitch black most of the time (bathroom, etc.), but gets some light, it should be fine to do sphag and bag temporarily under low light. I would focus on the humidity to get some roots going, worry about light levels later on.

Since you have had fungus with the plant before, keep a close eye on it to be sure it does not re-develop.

estación seca · #12 10-30-2015, 12:46 PM

Orchids are amazingly hardy, but also be prepared for the worst. I've spent months getting something to root, then grow a shoot, then get bigger, then almost mature the shoot, then rot overnight and die for no reason I could tell.

bil · #13 10-30-2015, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

Orchids are amazingly hardy, but also be prepared for the worst. I've spent months getting something to root, then grow a shoot, then get bigger, then almost mature the shoot, then rot overnight and die for no reason I could tell.

I was a hospital porter for a while. We'd see that in patients. Some would be hanging onto life with their fingernails, and they would gradually pull themselves back. You'd see them go from ICU back to a normal ward and after a few days they would be dead. Heartbreaking.

As with plants, I guess sometimes the recovery process just uses up too many resources...

turock · #14 10-30-2015, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spirit_Scale

Thanks everyone.

So what I'm getting out of this is:
-remove any dead roots (the bigger plant's root indeed was dried up, hanging on by a thread and crumbling when I took a better look at it)
-soak any cinnamon off
-spritz with peroxide (drying off the crown after)
-place in sealed ziploc (no holes) with a wet paper towel in one corner (not touching the plant)
-place in a warm place and wait n see.

Yes, I believe this should all be correct.

Quote:

Five questions:
-Should I try to place the plant in an upright position in the bag/place the bag a certain way/does it matter?
-Should I replace/re-wet the paper towel every so often (or just let it be?)
-How do I use the kelp max/where do i get it?
-Should I place the plants under any sort of light (even if it's just back by the windowsill?)
-Is there anything else I can do for them?

Make sure that condensation doesn't pool in the crown or crotches of the leaves. Other than that, I don't believe the orientation of the plant makes any difference to its healing process.

The point of the damp medium or paper towel is to create humidity in the bag. If the bag starts to loose its condensation, then it's probably time to re-moisten the towel. Otherwise, it should be fine. I sprout mango seeds in ziplocks with barely damp paper towels, and they stay moist for a month or two without any attention necessary.

You can get KelpMax from First Rays: Orchid Plants & Supplies, Free Info, Hydroponics, and More! - First Rays LLC Ray will also be able to teach you the best way to use that product for your needs, so you might shoot him a private message.

Bil has done a good job at addressing the light question. If you're concerned about warmth (which I find is an important factor), consider using a seedling warming mat or even a human heating pad under the bag.

Beyond those steps, patience and some observation are the only other things I know of to provide the recovering plants. They will do what they can with what you give them. Good luck!

Spirit_Scale · #15 10-30-2015, 04:15 PM

Great, I think i've got it all.

I have a human heat pad with adjustable settings and an infared temperature gun lying around so I'll be able to measure it.
If not I think I've got a spare thermostat lying around here (one of the upsides of being a reptile guy) and I'll get a seedling heat mat.

Light-wise the house isn't pitch black, but I've got a spare reflector dome and some CFL's lying around so if they need (or would do best) with some additional light I can rig that up no problem.

I'll be sure to shoot Ray a message.