Den Spectabile seems to be dying

[Jmarvin]

Hi. I'm new to the forum and need some guidance. I purchased a Den Spectabile at a show a few months back. It had 7 spikes and bloomed beautifully. I have it hanging in a basket from an Oak tree branch. Only late day Florida sun. The blooms only lasted a week before they dried up and dropped. Now, the leaves have several black spots and the canes seem to be suffering. I keep it moist. The weather has been warm with only moderate humidity here in SW Florida. I have 20 other orchids that are thriving. Some in pots, some in trees. I have not used a fungicide but have cleaned out old potting material and added new. Any suggestions?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I'd use a terracotta pot half that size or smaller, switch to mostly "lava rock" as medium with maybe 10% bark. Water like a Cattleya, meaning it's fine if it dries in between watering. Fertilize also like a Cattleya.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

That's not too bad looking. In fact, the spotting on the leaf is something I wouldn't be too concerned about. Just follow what Orchid Whisperer says, you'll be golden.

It's a bit dehydrated, that's why Orchid Whisperer said what he said.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board.

I echo the above. Judging by the furrowing of the pseudobulbs, it has been dry for at least some weeks. This could be from not enough water, or from rotten roots unable to provide enough water. The leaves also look dessicated. Fungus is more prone to attack a sick plant.

Also, check for spider mites on the undersides of the leaves. I can't see them in the photo well, but I think this is a possibility. Mites are active in less humid weather. Take a tissue and rub it from stem to tip on the undersides of leaves. If you see brownish or reddish streaks you have spider mites. If you do, spray the entire plant with 70% rubbing alcohol, then do some more reading here on Orchid Board about spider mites.

Now is growing season, so it should make healthy new growths. The older growths will probably not return to their former glory, and roots will only grow from the newest part of the plant.

[Jmarvin]

I guess I have some root damage that I didn't see when I added new potting material. I water the den every 3-4 days so I don't think its that. I don't have any lava rock but will get some asap. Question: how do I know how much of bad root to cut off?

[estación seca]

I don't cut off roots. I can't tell what's bad. Your plant is already struggling to take up water, so don't risk cutting off good roots.

Another thought - if it's hot and dry, maybe watering every 3-4 days isn't enough. These don't like to become completely dry at the roots.

[Dollythehun]

Way too dry! The canes should be plump. That can also cause leaf spotting. OW just helped me with mine, search for those posts.

[Optimist]

I wanted to get one of these, I didn't because it gets too big. when I was looking at the care, I was under the impression that it was a very thirsty plant and wanted to be wet all the time. Also nearly full sun.

[Dollythehun]

Water and food in the growing season. High light. During the off season much less water, no food, high light. These are real rooters. Lots of roots!

[Jmarvin]

I moved the above plant away from my other orchids, in a area of the yard where it gets light, breeze and I water every other day. The fungus (or whatever it has) has now gotten most of the plant. Before I completely give up, is it possible to cut the entire thing back and leave just apparently healthy roots? Will it grow? I would hate to give up entirely and throw it away!! It did not respond to fungicide spray, although I probably applied it too late. It was huge in this basket when I bought it. It did bloom, but then began this downward spiral. Advise? I attached one photo from when I first bought it. Thanks all.