Can I save this baggie plant??

[mamasanlzn]

I am a newbie to orchids and I purchased a bag orchid at HD yesterday. I only got it because it wasn't like the other ones I normally see. It was a c. chocolate drop red cluster. I got it home and I gave the roots a good soaking for about a minute and placed it in a small clay pot. I didn't undo the roots to take a good look. So today, I decided that I should look at the roots. That was when I discovered that it has root rot. I don't think it was from me since I didn't soak it that long and the media was dry when I took the cat out for examination.

I removed all the soft soggy roots and I mounted it to a stick, mid-air, with no medium to allow for circulation. The leaves are starting to show signs of wrinkling, but figured it could be from the shock. Should continue to nurse it? Or return it?

[Orchid Whisperer]

If you can post pictures of the plant and roots, that may help us help you.

Are there any roots that are not rotten?

If you paid full price for the orchid, in general, I would return it. If it was deeply discounted, they may have assumed you knew you had some work ahead of you.

Regardless of what you decide to do, good luck!

[Ordphien]

I almost got one if those from home depot the other day.
But space is limited and I have one of its offspring. Which looks and smells too similar to justify the purchase.

Anyhow. Chocolate drop is a very vigorous grower. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It should send out new growths and roots soon.
In fact. I love mounting my cattleyas. And do so with everyone I get. But they always kill off their old roots within days of doing so. But within a month New roots and growths stay to appear.
My advice would be to keep the growing area a little humid. Peel off the papery sarong and expose the dormant bud eyes. Trim off any dead roots, and put a small pad of sphagnum near where the new roots will appear.

I would also give it a good soak in a liquid seaweed solution. The whole plant. To stimulate root growth.

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[mamasanlzn]

I am trying to post pictures but it won't allow me.

[Orquiadicto]

You have very good advice here. I usually mount my cats as well and within no time, there is new growth and roots. Good luck.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by mamasanlzn

I am trying to post pictures but it won't allow me.

You have to have five posts already before you can put up pictures. Appears you're there now... try again. And hello and welcome.

[mamasanlzn]

[FSUOrchids]

I would return it.

[alemily]

I buy half-dead bagged cattleyas occasionally from Lowes clearance rack (the HD's around here don't sell them) and they regrow rather quickly.

In fact a Lc. Ann Akagi x Lc. Sakura Candy (Lc. "Candy Girl 'Emi'") is in bloom right now and a Blc. Mildred Holingsworth 'Sun Bulb' has roots crawling all over its cedar basket with two sheaths...both were purchased as cheap dehydrated rootless wonders off the clearance rack back in January.

I won't pay more than 3 bucks for a severely dehydrated bagged cattleya though.

[mamasanlzn]

Originally Posted by alemily

I buy half-dead bagged cattleyas occasionally from Lowes clearance rack (the HD's around here don't sell them) and they regrow rather quickly.

In fact a Lc. Ann Akagi x Lc. Sakura Candy (Lc. "Candy Girl 'Emi'") is in bloom right now and a Blc. Mildred Holingsworth 'Sun Bulb' has roots crawling all over its cedar basket with two sheaths...both were purchased as cheap dehydrated rootless wonders off the clearance rack back in January.

I won't pay more than 3 bucks for a severely dehydrated bagged cattleya though.

The leaves doesn't look dehydrated now. After the surgery and application of the moss, it plumped back up again. I still have another day or so before I make the decision. It is sitting by a window facing east and in the bathroom. I hope she makes it.