Help - orchid after root rot

[beepybeetle]

Originally Posted by kentalink

no and no, beginner here

Get some sphagnum moss, SOAK in distilled water, wrap the uh... stub of the orchid in the wet moss, then put it in a very high humidity enclosure. This promotes root growth and can save your orchid. If you've ever grown anything via cuttings, it's basically the same process.

[kentalink]

wouldnt extra high humidity and wet moss around stub increase chance of root rot? because i got root rot from overwatering i think

i dont have much time now (i am in deadline and need to do something out of my home) so i will need to leave my orchid for week (my friend will water it) and i will hope for best:I

how often should i check roots? checking every day isnt possible, but i am afraid that root rot will come back

[Dollythehun]

You can also lay it on a damp paper towel and put it in a bag in a semi shady area. What do you have to lose at this point?

[kentalink]

i will try it, when i come back

it looks like root rot is back too, checked root, and the end is softy/mushy - hoping that it will last until friday, when i can use sphagnum method - if i can ask - somewhere they are saying that sphagnum should be touching the stub, somewhere that is shouldnt touch the plant

[Dollythehun]

I wonder if you are overthinking this whole process?
The point is to keep the surroundings humid/damp to start the rooting process. If it touches, it's ok, if it doesn't, it's ok. The plant will be enclosed in a sealed, vented bag.You're trying to kickstart roots. I've also read that new moss has someone antiseptic qualities. Good luck.;

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by kentalink

wouldnt extra high humidity and wet moss around stub increase chance of root rot? because i got root rot from overwatering i think

i dont have much time now (i am in deadline and need to do something out of my home) so i will need to leave my orchid for week (my friend will water it) and i will hope for best:I

how often should i check roots? checking every day isnt possible, but i am afraid that root rot will come back

You have no roots left to rot, and actually nothing to water. The point is to get it into a high humidity situation and start new root growth. I wouldn't wrap the end of it with anything. Anything damp (moss, paper towel, wash rag, layer of rocks with water not up to top of rocks) provides the humidity. The bag (left slightly open) or a large glass bowl inverted over it, or a semi or clear plastic container, keeps the humidity level up. Think of it as putting it into a tiny mini-greenhouse you've made up of household items. Good luck!

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have been growing orchids since 1982, but mostly growing them better and more deliberately / successfully in the last 10 years. I agree with Dollythehun; you are overthinking.

The reason the roots have died is that they have succumbed to rot. The rot is encouraged by trying to keep the plant watered and humid, so the rot has spread. You need to stop the cycle.

Stop cutting the roots. Get a small jar or glass, maybe 2 inches in diameter. Soak the section of the plant stem that still has a root for maybe 15 minutes. Drain and allow the plant to dry. Do this at least daily. In between, keep in a shady location, but not completely dark.

You should stop seeing root rot soon after doing this. It will take longer for new roots to form. Wait until new roots are at least 3 or more centimeters long before trying to re-pot (new pot, new bark). Water thoroughly each time, several seconds of water flow through the pot each time. Allow the bark to get nearly dry before watering the next time.

Regarding the leaves, only the leaves which have translucent and soft spots concern me. Cut those soft spots out. Don't water for a couple days after cutting, make sure there are no new translucent spots before watering again (if new spots appear, cut, wait another 2 days).

[estación seca]

I don't know what the roots originally looked like, but it is possible they were healthy enough not to require cutting off. As others have noted, the plant is remarkably good looking for a plant with severe root rot.

Browse the Phal forums here and look at photos of roots.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I don't know what the roots originally looked like, but it is possible they were healthy enough not to require cutting off. As others have noted, the plant is remarkably good looking for a plant with severe root rot.

Browse the Phal forums here and look at photos of roots.

My thoughts exactly. People learn to spot counterfeit money by learning what real bills look like. Educate yourself on what the plant should have looked like by reading the link we suggested.

[kentalink]

ok, thanks for your advices - i will try sphag-bag metod

someone asked about root rot - it was severe - when i first repotted, all roots (from that one) were completely black, and mushy and the stuff extremely easily slid from that string that is inside - like zero strength required,

so what i should do?

1.) cut the weird spots, wait 2 days
2.) give it micro clima - soaked sphagnum in bag with orchid, orchid without media but hanged with some plastic strips - so it is normal position for her, keep in shady location, thats all?