So, I work in Boston's Chinatown and found a plant sitting by a trash pile. I brought the plant inside, and it's survived despite the exposure to 40 degree temperatures that morning.
The plant has no flowers, and looks as if it was very rootbound before getting thrown out. It also has some weird spots on the leaves, and I don't know how I should repot it. I've read a bit on the web, but that has only resulted in more questions. Hopefully I can show you all some pictures and get your advice and wisdom. Thanks in advance!
Here is a picture of the entire plant. From what I've read, it looks like a Cymbidium
The entire mass looks pretty rootbound. Should I try to gently break this mass up for repotting? I can't even tell if there used to be dirt between those roots really. It seems that some of the roots on the outter rim of the plant are dead. Is this normal?
It looks like there is some green alge or something growing on the roots that were at the top of the pot. Is this okay?
It looks like the previous owner had some trouble with the leaves, and you can see where they've been cut. Is this perhaps because the orchid was given regular Boston tap water that maybe contained too much salt? Also, a few of the leaves have black spoches on it. Should I get an orchid antifungal or just try rinsing out the entire thing to get rid of salt?
In general, I'd love to know if I could break this orchid up and give it to a few friends. Is this feasable, or should I just repot the thing and wait a year or so?
Again, thanks so much for all of your knowledge and expertise!
I found an orchid on the side of the road. Maybe a Cymbidium? (Images)
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