Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012)

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by bballr4567

I can grab one tomorrow. They really aren't black but they are very dark. The new roots are almost white and the active tips are almost phal like.

Originally Posted by bballr4567

That's a good idea. I have no idea if they are covered in algae. The dark ones are the oldest on the plant. They aren't rotten at all so it's weird.

If the plant has nice new ones then it's probably fine. The new roots are white with green tips. When they are exposed to lots of light they can turn a pretty red color. Your plants dark old roots could of just been stained by medium or algae like Jared said. If they are firm and still alive that's a good sign. It would be interesting to see a pic though when you get some time.

This is the time they seem to grow new roots, so that's good for everyone who needed to transplant their plants.

[Bud]

Very nice link Rowan...its amazing to see the cernua in situ...I specifically liked the ending where cernuas are found around a large block of rock by the riverbank

The first cernua I got was with algae but not on the roots it was on the bulbs...they were black gooey unsightly and smelled gross
I used a soft old toothbrush to clean it and flushed it with the sink shower nozzle...then sprayed it with hydrogen peroxide(tiny bubbles foamed all around the plant) its ok now that I mounted it on a redwood basket...nice and clean

[kavanaru]

Honestly, I think you have over reacted a bit cutting off those leaves! These are mechanic damage, and most probably it is a recently imported plant. This kind of damage is not rare on newly imported plants... Cutting off the leaves causes more damage than keeping them even if unsightly.... Anyway, you have a very nice and strong plant which will recover well, don't worry much about it!
P.S. - you can write or speak in English to most of the German vendors! Including O&M! Keep in mind they have business with all Europe and also Asia and southamerica! And I would definitely complain about that crapy Phal! That works also with most German vendors! and if you are strong (but polite!) enough, you can receive a replacement plant!

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

Honestly, I think you have over reacted a bit cutting off those leaves! These are mechanic damage, and most probably it is a recently imported plant. This kind of damage is not rare on newly imported plants... Cutting off the leaves causes more damage than keeping them even if unsightly.... Anyway, you have a very nice and strong plant which will recover well, don't worry much about it!
P.S. - you can write or speak in English to most of the German vendors! Including O&M! Keep in mind they have business with all Europe and also Asia and southamerica! And I would definitely complain about that crapy Phal! That works also with most German vendors! and if you are strong (but polite!) enough, you can receive a replacement plant!

Well, I might have overreacted, but when one see the underside and topside of the leaves having several of these spots/indentations, me, as an amateur, tend to get VERY worried.

Hmm... Maybe I should write to them and get some of my money back.

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by The Mutant

Well, I might have overreacted, but when one see the underside and topside of the leaves having several of these spots/indentations, me, as an amateur, tend to get VERY worried.

That was not meant on a bad way and I can understand you very well... I have done similar things in the past as well... With time you learn that orchids are stronger and tolerate more abuse than what one normally would think at the beginning, and also that there is too much misinformation and exaggeration concerning illness and infections of orchids in the web...

As I said, you have a nice strong plant which will easily get over it it...

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

That was not meant on a bad way and I can understand you very well... I have done similar things in the past as well... With time you learn that orchids a strong and tolerate more abuse than what one normally would the at the beginning, and also that there is too much misinformation and exaggeration concerning illness and infections of orchids in the web...

As I said, you have a nice strong plant which will easily get over it it...

I look forward to the time when I can distinguish between "bad" and "good" spots on the leaves, it'll save me a lot of worry and a lot of unnecessary stress for the chids.

I know, I've started getting a bit hypochondriac on the behalf of my orchids; every little spot on their leaves are a sure sign of virus according to my brain. Hopefully, I'll learn with time.

Now I'll look forward to see some growth on my Soph.

[The Mutant]

There, email sent but after reading on their website, I apparently should have complained within three days after I got the package. This means I was too late, but I informed them about the condition of the Phal and the Soph and that I really wasn't happy with either of them, but especially the Phal. I also wrote that I won't buy anything from them in the future due to the condition of both plants.

I hate writing stuff like this, but it was the truth. I haven't received any orchids as crappy looking as these two from any other vendor so I definitely won't return and order any more from them.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Glad you emailed them! Hopefully you can get replacements!

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by Call_Me_Bob

Glad you emailed them! Hopefully you can get replacements!

Unfortunately I don't think so since they have this three-day policy. But at least I have informed them now, and I hope my stuartiana will make it.

I think the Soph has started growing with its new roots, but it may be wishful thinking on my part. Hopefully the extra light I've ordered will arrive tomorrow so it won't stand too dark anymore. Everything is prepared for the daylight bulb with the Soph and one of my Paphs standing on a pedestal each, anticipating the extra lights.

[Call_Me_Bob]

if they have to have a 3 day policy, that kind of makes me wonder if they are that good of a nursery, that they only take returns, even on bad plants before 3 days!