I know just enough about orchids to be confident that this is an orchid but that's about it. I actually found it last fall where someone had dumped in near a construction site. I did some research on general orchid care and I haven't killed it yet. Its even sprouting new leaves. I would however, appreciate more information on what kind of orchid it might be, what I can do to keep it healthy, and how to get it to bloom.
So far I've been drenching it and draining off most of the water once a week. I tried a little general plant fertilizer a couple times but I was afraid I'd over do it. The mug its planted in has some of the potting "soil" I found it in on top and chunks of bark under that. I have it in window that never gets direct sun.
HI
am I seeing an old cut flower stem at the top of one of the pseudobulbs? Epidendrums/Encyclias and others of the cattleya tribe bloom from the top.
If a spent flower stem is from the side/base it is in the oncidium tribe.
Can't tell too well from the pic. I would guess an encyclia.
However, you need to tuck something near / under the new growth like a small tad of moss of some sort for when the new roots begin to grow, so they have something healthy to grow into.
Hi,
I don't know what it is but it does look like some black rot is going on at the lower psudobulbs. To high of temperature and humidity causes this you can try to dip the plant in a fungicide called Subdue or Banrot. A good website for orchid disease is Phelpsfarms. Black rot is contagious and the plant needs to be separated from others or tossed. The pot its in should be able to drain well. I have read that if you want to use a decorative pot, put the plant in a plastic well drained pot then put the plant in the decorative pot. This is due to the paint or chemicals used in making the the pot. Donna
I agree with all the above and support the suggestions made already. It does appear to be of the Oncidium alliance and you do need to treat the black rot or whatever is happening on the old pseudobulbs.
I would move it into a new, clean and well drained pot, as being left too damp will just compound the problems it already has. When you repot, you could tilt the plant over so the new root I see emerging from the new shoot can get into the media. It is unlikely the older growth will ever look too attractive, but if you can provide the right conditions, the new growth may rebound well and give you a nice plant with time and patience - and plenty of both!
Best of luck with it.....let us know what happens!
thanks for the responses. I'll get it a new pot and see if I can get rid of that black rot.
The old stems are growing from near the base of the pseudobulbs so I'll assume its from the oncidium tribe for now. I'll have to post a photo if I ever get it to bloom.
I just made a video on how I save oncidium orchids, and it might help.
My way isn't the only way, but it works for me. You should repot that for sure. I don't know about that sick pseudobulb, but others sound like they can help!
rescued mystery orchid
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