Is it really still alive and not dead?!! Pics

[Roberta]

When you water, water it well - so that the water pours out the bottom of the pot. Then, don't water again until the moss is almost dry (but not crispy) You can use a wood skewer to find out about moisture a couple of inches down - if it comes out damp, wait a couple more days and test again. If it comes out dry, it's time to water One could prescribe some number of days, but it would be only pure luck if it were correct (because it depends on the pot, the media, the humidity in your house, light, temperature... any number of factors that will be different at your house than at mine) But other than giving it some water, keep all the other conditions the same - wait to change anything until after it revives.

But as far as water goes, the plant wants a wet-dry cycle - and air around the roots. When the water pours of of the bottom of the pot, it pulls air into the root zone. Then as the water evaporates, it is replaced by air (which is still nice and humid) So that's why you want to water well, then let it dry out.

[Cpp33]

YES! exactly how I feel and think right now. It sounds silly, but it's a little emotional for me in happiness right now. The orchid is in the kitchen, next to the bathroom where he passed. His one year of passing is next month in July and this little Orchid has come back to life before his anniversary.

I'm going to do whatever I can to treat it right and help it grow back.

Originally Posted by Mountaineer370

Welcome to the board. I don't know how your orchid survived, either, but in light of the fact that it was a gift after the passing of your father, and the fact that this little plant sprouted new life after being neglected for almost a year and being presumed dead, I would want to do everything I could to make it happy and healthy from this point on. Just sayin'........

[nogreenthumbs]

Wow, amazing. Congrats, and good luck!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

This is actually typical of Phals to do this.

This is why for a very long time already, I have recommended people not throw out their Phals if the plant has no leaves but still has plenty of living roots.

All Phals have this ability. In fact, some Phal species are considered "leafless", (they're not truly leafless, it's just that the leaves are pretty small and they can go deciduous).

It's situations like this that make the photosynthetic roots a benefit for the plant.

[SaraJean]

Good lord. I am starting to believe that phals are the Keith Richards of the orchid world.
That is amazing, though! Wishing you much success and if you haven't already-- read through the sticky post in this section callled The Phal abuse ends here. Some really great info on how to keep these types of orchids happy

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Yes, very definitely read the thread SaraJean linked to in the message above this one.

[Egrigby]

I'm new at this too, but I just wanted to let you know I have my fingers crossed. Listen to the good advice these folks are giving, and you'll learn a lot.

Elaine