Bare-rooted Dehydrated Gongora

[Stasisgate]

I recently bought a Gongora scaphephorus that someone else had ordered through someone that went to an orchid show abroad. By the time I received it it was in a very dehydrated state. This is the first time trying to grow a gongora from this state.

I've potted it up in coconut husks (which I use for all my gongoras) and dusted with some cinnamon powder to prevent any rotting spreading from a bad bulb I had to remove. It's growing with my other gongoras but under more shade than usual to prevent any extra drying out.

Any suggestions or tips? My confidence here is a little wavering and I'm afraid to lose this one

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It looks like it still has good roots. Soak the orchid for a few hours, and it'll recover in a few days.

[bellini girl]

I agree with Phillip. A good soaking should encourage the pseudo bulbs to plump up considerably

[euplusia]

Also a plastic bag with sphagnum for a month or two can help to rehydrate.

[isurus79]

As said previously, a good soak (overnight) will help a lot. I'm hoping that you did not dust the cinnamon on the roots of the plant as doing so is a great way to kill the roots.

[Stasisgate]

Well, sad to say, the cinnamon powder did get on teh roots and the two main pseudobulbs have died... but there are still 3 good bulbs and I resorted to just resting them on some moist sphagnum. Thanx for the advice guys. I'm crossing my fingers on this one... sigh

[isurus79]

Did you soak the plant?

[Stasisgate]

Yes I did soak it for a few hours. but unfortunately the last few pseudobulbs have gone soft and I have lost the plant... sigh...

Thanx for all the advice folks. I don't think I will EVER purchase another orchid in that state but if I do I will rem your advice. Such a waste of money grrrrr