IS MY ORCHID DYING???

[Paul Mc]

You may also try something called Dyna-Gro Pro-Tekt silicone solution. I've used it on my phal's when something has gone wrong. The solution helps to strengthen the plant against environmental stresses such as temperature or over/underwatering. I feel that it has really helped me pull some of my phal's through some tough times.

[kmigs26]

okay, so...i bought phalaenopsis mix...raw fir bark, hardwood charcoal, chunky peat moss and coarse perlite are the ingredients in it. I want to replant my orchid in the same container it is in now. I think the size is good. What steps do I take next? Thanks!!!

[Zoi2]

Even though you'd like to repot using the same pot, it may not be wise. Once you trim all the dead roots, your pot may be too big. The general rule of thumb for phals is to pot according to the size of your roots.

You may find this video on repotting helpful. Orchid Care Videos
Joann

[Paul Mc]

If you are going to repot in the same pot, just be sure to wash it down really good to get rid of any potential bacteria/fungii. Using a formula like Physan 20 might be best along with soap and water. However, you should always make sure your phal has ample room for root growth.

[kmigs26]

Can i put the bark throughout the entire pot? the package says to put "coarse rock" or "horticulture charcoal" in the bottom 1/4 of the pot. I don't have those material. Sorry for the fifty questions!!!

[Paul Mc]

Don't be shy about asking questions here. That's what the forum is for partially. I'm a newbie to all of this myself and have many questions. As such, I don't know that I can answer your last post. Hopefully someone more experienced will be able to.

[kmigs26]

Okay, here are the roots...needless to say NOT GOOD. is it salvageable?

[Paul Mc]

It looks like you may have a lot of dead ones. You can tell dead ones by their dark color. They are dead if they are paperlike or mushy. Live roots should be somewhat firm. Cut out the dead ones with a sterilized instrument, dust lightly with cinnamon (fungicide/pesticide) to help prevent infection. Repot in fresh medium.

As a note, I've had many phal's that were in worse shape than this and they have survived. I also started using Dyna-Gro Pro-Tekt silicone solution on them in very light doses after trying to salvage them. They have made a tremendous recovery.

If the plant itself is looking weak, you may want to lower the amount of light as well so it can focus a bit more on healing as opposed to root and leaf growth. Maybe 1 or 2 weeks at most though.

[kmigs26]

i can get Dyna-Gro Pro-Tekt silicone solution at lowes or home depot? should i water my plant now that i just repotted it? and if so should i water it with fertilizer too?

[Paul Mc]

You can by the Dyna-Gro from online orchid sources, or on amazon.com as well I believe. You might even check out Repotme.com. They have fast shipping and great customer service.

I'm a newbie here, so take my words with a grain of salt on the following. I would lightly water so you don't bog down the medium with excess water, especially as water causes fungii and bacteria to develop and you have just cut the plant. As for fertilizer, I would probably hold off on it for about 2 weeks or so and just let the plant do what's natural for it during recovery. But again, I'm a newbie so maybe someone more experienced will have a better answer for you.