Did I just kill my orchid!?

[aileenmadrigal]

Hi everyone! I need help to save my first ever orchid but I just don't know how to. My NoID phaleanopsis almost looks dead. Can someone please help me! Much appreciated.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Hi Aileen
At some point it was over-watered. I'm guessing it was potted in moss?

Get a clear plastic bag (produce bag or similar). Put a small handful of slightly damp sphagnum moss in the bag.put the plant in the bag. The plant does not need to be touching the moss. Seal the bag and place in a shaded location where you can keep an eye on it. Close the bag. NO DIRECT SUN!!

The goal is to keep the plant in a humid environment so that it does not dehydrate before it can make new roots.

Check it periodically. After several weeks, it should start making new roots. When it has roots a couple inches long, pot in orchid bark in the smallest pot that will fit the roots. I much prefer terracotta pots over plastic pots.

Good luck!

[bil]

If it isn't of huge sentemental value, mmy advice might seem harsh, but I would bin it in a heartbeat, read all the threads on here re phals and armed with that knowledge go buy yourself a nice one.

If you do save it it will most likely take years to give you a flower.

[jkofferdahl]

I second Bil's comment. Sad but true.

[Irisha99]

go on youtube and search saving rootless phals. People have much success with this variety of orchids. might be worth a try.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Irisha99

go on youtube and search saving rootless phals. People have much success with this variety of orchids. might be worth a try.

I have done it with other orchids, waited four years for a flower. Unless it is fabulously rare, expensive, or of great sentimental value, trust me, it simply isn't worth the grief.

[Irisha99]

Originally Posted by bil

I have done it with other orchids, waited four years for a flower. Unless it is fabulously rare, expensive, or of great sentimental value, trust me, it simply isn't worth the grief.

I don't know but unless the plant is completely done, I would have difficulty throwing it. It's still alive ☺️

[Roberta]

Sphag and bag is worth a try... a learning experience if nothing else. But since it will be a very long time to flower, even if it survives and grows roots, ALSO get yourself a new, healthy blooming orchid, enjoy it, and use the information that is available on this forum to learn how to keep it healthy. If the original one survives, you will have TWO orchids. Why does it have to be "either-or" ?

[bil]

Originally Posted by Irisha99

I don't know but unless the plant is completely done, I would have difficulty throwing it. It's still alive ☺️

Yeah, I don't deny that, and like you, I don't like chucking plants out. However every plant ejected is a space fr a better orchid...

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Sphag and bag is worth a try... a learning experience if nothing else. But since it will be a very long time to flower, even if it survives and grows roots, ALSO get yourself a new, healthy blooming orchid, enjoy it, and use the information that is available on this forum to learn how to keep it healthy. If the original one survives, you will have TWO orchids. Why does it have to be "either-or" ?

I agree with Roberta- to use try ing to save this one as a learning experience, and get a nice healthy one to actually enjoy while you worry and learn over the first ☺

---------- Post added at 12:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:54 PM ----------

And pick up some kelp max! It'll make a huge difference in the growth of new roots. Go to First Rays web site. You won't regret it.