Hello! Help me save my orchids!? - Page 3 - Orchid Board

lauren.r · #21 10-25-2013, 06:32 PM

Thank you both! I really appreciate the feedback

You may be completely right about it being dehydrated. After I realised the new roots had become soft and were on their way to rotting I was really careful to dry them out in the hopes I would be able to save them. I've been keeping them fairly damp since then, but they don't seem to be at all responsive. The plant itself has decided to grow a new leaf instead? (Silly thing doesn't know what's good for it!)

If the roots are damaged beyond repair, how does a phal absorb moisture and nutrients? How much of the plant should be in the bag if I do try this? I'll have to buy some sphag first!

I've never tried the stick method, but all of my plants are potted in clear plastic, does using a stick work better than simply checking?

I'll see if I can take some better photos and maybe create a new thread in the beginner forum if I take it out of its pot again

Thanks (again!!)

Polarizeme · #22 10-29-2013, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauren.r

Thank you both! I really appreciate the feedback

You may be completely right about it being dehydrated. After I realised the new roots had become soft and were on their way to rotting I was really careful to dry them out in the hopes I would be able to save them. I've been keeping them fairly damp since then, but they don't seem to be at all responsive. The plant itself has decided to grow a new leaf instead? (Silly thing doesn't know what's good for it!)

If the roots are damaged beyond repair, how does a phal absorb moisture and nutrients? How much of the plant should be in the bag if I do try this? I'll have to buy some sphag first!

I've never tried the stick method, but all of my plants are potted in clear plastic, does using a stick work better than simply checking?

I'll see if I can take some better photos and maybe create a new thread in the beginner forum if I take it out of its pot again

Thanks (again!!)

Bag the entire plant with the moss. You are trying to create a high humidity environment. Try misting the "roots" with kelp to help regrowth. Don't seal the bag, mold will form. You want to leave to top open for air exchange. keep the moss damp and put the whole mess in a lower light area and leave it be. No direct sunlight.
One of two things will happen.
1) it will grow a new root.
2) it will succumb to it's dehydrated state.

If you get a root to grow, put the plant in a fine bark mix, like one you can buy at Lowes. Water well initially, like I said in a previous post and follow those directions.

Good luck!