Saving phal with no leaves

[jcec1]

Originally Posted by orchidgirl610

If I put it on a bed of spagnum moss, could I spray roots sparingly with maxicrop/fertiliser solution as moisture or would this not help?

I think the maxicrop is a good idea, additional fertiliser is not needed at this point.

[Irisha99]

I could be mistaken but I don’t think this is salvageable... or at least would be very time consuming but we can always try especially that it holds some sentimental value to you. When an orchid has no roots, I think it’s easier to save it. In either case, good luck
Let’s hear more comments though from more experienced growers.

[orchidgirl610]

Yes, the maxicrop is a root stimulant...its a seeweed extract like Kelpmax.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by orchidgirl610

Yes, the maxicrop is a root stimulant...its a seeweed extract like Kelpmax.

So, although you have roots already, I think you can use it.
But at this point the most important thig is warm and humidity.

[orchidgirl610]

Thank you for the advice. I found an old thread from someone with a similar problem and Violetta seemed to have had success with simply potting in bark and watering as with a healthy phal. Could this be a possibility? I'm worried about spagnum moss causing further rot because of the level of moisture? I've tried spagnum moss in a bag in the past and it resulted in loss

[Dollythehun]

Do you have a picture of this orchid in bloom? If so, I suggest framing it nicely and that way you can continue to enjoy your memories.

Ask yourself, if you lose the orchid, which method of rescue would give you the peace you did all you could. Then apply that method. We've given you our best advice and now it's up to you. 🤔

[estación seca]

The roots are in great shape and the plant is trying to make an offset. I suspect the old crown is finished, and all further growth will likely come via the offset.

I think there's a great chance of it surviving if you set it on damp sphagnum and keep it humid. It will be a slow recovery, and probably won't bloom for at least a few years, but you might save a plant with sentimental value.

[beepybeetle]

Is it just me or does it look like a leaf is poking out of the stem in the second photo?

[DevonLy]

From my very basic understanding of plants the leaves are the energy factory a plant and in the case of phals also stores of energy.
So having lost all leaves, your phal most likely has no means of getting the energy to push out new growth be it leaves, roots or keikis. (if it did have the energy I'd assume it would be trying to push out a keiki)
But there is something odd about the second photo, there is a very bright green spot. I'm not sure if this is the remanent of a leaf or new growth?

I've lost many phals the same way you have and have yet to find a way to get one to continue once all the leaves are gone (I even tried frankensteining / grafting a healthy stalk with leaves to a healthy root stock that had lost all it's leave. Couldn't get it to take. Maybe I didn't graft it properly, I was hoping to "top" off / remove the top leaves and force the root section to push out a new keiki but no success... that time)

If it has super super value your may be able to clone a new plant from the root tips but this is not for feint of heart. Look up "propagation phalaenopsis from root tip" or "tissue culture phalaenopsis from root tips". You may need to get specialty orchid lab to perform the procedure for you, the equipment and chemicals are pretty hefty.
I'm about to attempt this to save... well clone an phal I lost. If you were in australia I'd offer to do it but the quarantine regulations here about plant matter is insane.

[aliceinwl]

I agree that this orchid still has a decent chance. Because Phals photosythesize through their roots as well as leaves, it can still make “food”. This also means that light is important.

If it were mine, I’d probably treat it like a Vanda. Soak the the roots daily for an hour or so then put it somewhere warm with bright indirect light. I’d hold off on fertilizer but continue to use the seaweed supplement per directions. You could also look into getting a seedling heat mat to increase temperature in the root zone (you’d likely want to put the plant in a vase with some water in the bottom below the roots to keep it humid for them and prevent direst contact if you go this route).

Because the roots are the only organ that’s photosythesizing, I’d be disinclined to bury it until it has at least one leaf. I’d also try to figure out what factors contributed to its original decline so there isn’t a repeat. Be prepared for a long haul without any quick changes: if you’re doing things right it may be 2-3 months before you start to see any improvement and it may be 6+ months before you see anything approaching recovery.