How to save this little dendrobrium?

[milan360]

Hi Orchid Enthusiasts,

So once I got interested in Orchid care, every mistreated orchid I see becomes an opportunity for me to learn and grow.

Stumbled across this little guy at a relative's place.

Pseudobulbs (stems) are soft but there are some leaves. Charcoal pieces are really rock hard in place and the air roots seem dead (soft and flat feeling)

Pictures attached. Please feel free to advice dear users.

Much Appreciated,
Milan360

[vjo]

Oops, no pics that I can see....Jean

[milan360]

Apologies, have uploaded photos.=)

[estación seca]

It looks dead to me. The pseudobulbs are dead but the leaves have not turned brown yet.

[bil]

If it is worth the work, then see if there are any sound canes, ie not yellow or dry. Cut all the yellow/dead canes off and dust the cut ends in cinnamon powder, - I use a powdered fungicide, but not one with copper.

Leave for 24 hours, but not in the sun at all.

Then plant the canes as deep as poss in fine bark with some sphag around the base, (but leave the leaves out in the open. If necessary cut off the lower leaves dust with fungicide and leave for for 24 hours.)

Spray with water every other day maybe more, you will have to work that out for yourself.

If there is enough sound green cane left it will root and grow. You would not believe how bad they can look and still grow.

[milan360]

thanks guys.

@bil, so I could attempt a repot? When you say cut out the yellow, dead canes (squishy ones) , can I just remove them totally?

[bil]

Originally Posted by milan360

thanks guys.

@bil, so I could attempt a repot? When you say cut out the yellow, dead canes (squishy ones) , can I just remove them totally?

Well, this is a last resort, remember. I would simply cut off everything that was dead or dying, and if what is left looks feasible, treat the cut end and plant it.

---------- Post added at 09:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:55 AM ----------

I had a couple of dens that had a root problem, some kind of rot, and I siply cut away EVERYTHING that looked dodgy, and binned it. Then I treated, dried and planted the bits that looked OK.

It won't flower next year as it would have without the rot, but I have about 8 or more small plants, and in two or thee years I shall have more than I can house.