odontoglossum with no roots but tiny new growth - Orchid Board

Foxy2702 · #1 07-15-2017, 09:03 AM

Complete novice here so please be gentle. I have an odontoglossum which was given to me as a gift. It is in very poor condition. I was going to send it to orchid heven but then noticed that the behind the leaf if the last bulb there is a new growth. This orchid has no roots at all. Wanted to know how I can help this little new growth to survive if it is at all possible.

Dollythehun · #2 07-15-2017, 02:27 PM

We are most always gentle! I have ideas on how I would proceed but, like to read the experts first. Then I realize I have learned some things.

estación seca · #3 07-15-2017, 06:22 PM

Taking into account your environment, I would put that into the smallest pot that will hold it, with sphagnum moss as potting medium. Water it well, then let it dry out until damp before watering again. When the new growth is well established and it is making new roots, you can move it into a bigger pot. Rootless Oncidium relatives need to be constantly moist to root well.

Fishkeeper · #4 07-15-2017, 06:32 PM

It doesn't actually look that awful. At least it's still green. Can we get a pic of the whole thing?

bil · #5 07-15-2017, 07:47 PM

I would pot it in fine bark with some moss around the base to keep it damp for longer, then water it as per normal.

Mountaineer370 · #6 07-15-2017, 09:20 PM

I'm having a hard time telling the size of the plant from the photos, but I'm curious and hoping to learn something, too. How would Foxy get the plant to stay upright in a pot? I'm guessing you don't want to bury any of the green parts. Would supporting it with stakes all around be the thing to do? Or is there another solution I'm not seeing?

Foxy2702 · #7 07-16-2017, 06:57 AM

Hi guys thank you very much for suggestions. Here is the photo of the plant. As can see still very green and rather large. As can see I have not potted it, just keeping it on top off moist moss.

bil · #8 07-16-2017, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountaineer370

I'm having a hard time telling the size of the plant from the photos, but I'm curious and hoping to learn something, too. How would Foxy get the plant to stay upright in a pot? I'm guessing you don't want to bury any of the green parts. Would supporting it with stakes all around be the thing to do? Or is there another solution I'm not seeing?

All sorts of tricks to keep the plant upright. I put small rocks around it till the roots have a hold.