Rescuing saggy Beallara Marfitch (Howard's Dream)

[sarbot]

Hi, all! I am brand new here and brand new to orchids. I recently rescued a Howard's Dream from an office where it was neglected. Here is a link to the image:

Rescuing an orchid. Tips, anyone?... - Sarah Collins Burtner | Facebook

I garden indoors and out and have plants ranging from pothos and pink polka dots to Christmas cactuses and carnivorous friends, but this is an entirely new process for me. Hoping for success!

From what I understand, these like finer soil than some, so I filtered out the biggest chunks from Miracle-Gro's coarse blend (which I also inherited), but I haven't repotted yet. I have read that they like more moisture than some as well. Am I on the right track so far, and what else can you tell me? Should these be separated, or would you consider this one plant? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Sarah

[Keithj]

Orchids come in two basic types: monopodial and sympodial. The second is what you have, which means there is a rhizome connecting all the visible parts together so what is in the pot is almost certainly one plant. It’s generally not a good idea to split plants unless you have to and since this is not in the best of health I’d leave well alone.

Keith

[sarbot]

Thank you, Keith!

[camille1585]

That is one plant. Sympodial orchids make clumps of pseudobulbs, and can be divided when you are able to make divisions of at least 4-5 bulbs I believe.

As to what they grow in, only terrestrial orchids should be potted in soil. All others, including yours, are epiphytes (grow in trees) and need a well draining and airy media. Oncidium types like yours appreciate staying somewhat damp. The best to use is something like a medium grade, good quality bark based mix, or sphagnum moss. I can't advise you on what brands of bark mix are good since I'm not in the US. Repot in the same size pot or smaller, depending the the condition of the roots.

[Ray]

The most significant difference between orchids and any of the other plants you have experience with is that orchids do much of their gas exchange through their roots, rather than being exclusively through their leaves.

That means that in addition to holding moisture, the potting medium must also allow plenty of free air flow around the roots.

[sarbot]

Hi, and thanks, Keith, Camille, and Ray. I really appreciate your taking a few minutes to guide me!

The roots have had some air exposure for a couple of days after I loosened the soil in the existing pot (which looks like it was a combination of basic potting soil and possibly a bark-based medium) to look for rot. I don't think there is any.

After reading that this variety prefers finer potting medium, I removed the largest chunks and potted it, packing the medium around the roots. I found an Oncidium culture sheet that says to keep the humidity high but the medium dry after repotting, until new roots have formed. This seems to contrast with other sources, which say that this plant prefers more moisture in the soil. Now: to water, or not to water?

Thank you again, in advance!

Sarah

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by sarbot

This seems to contrast with other sources, which say that this plant prefers more moisture in the soil. Now: to water, or not to water?

The plant should not be in soil at all... small bark (about 1/4 inch - to 3/8 inch) is ideal. I like to add about 1/3 chunky perlite (pumice or small volcanic rock works too) to the bark, to help maintain air spaces and keep the bark from packing down. These like to stay damp but not wet - the goal is really "humid air" around the roots. When watering, do it thoroughly - like hold the plant under the faucet, and let water run through. That helps to pull air into the root zone and flush out any salts from hard water. Then, as the medium dries out the water is replaced by air (remember those air spaces...)

[sarbot]

Thanks. When I said "soil," I really meant "medium;" I was just searching for another word for variety. It's the English teacher in me.

Thanks very much for the clarifications!