repotted while in spike

[Claudia]

The very first orchid I bought (more than 2 years ago) got sick. It had 2 spikes but it started drying and losing the flower buds. Then is started loosing the leaves. At this point I realized that probably I watered it too much and wanted to repotted it. I know that is not good to repot while in spike but the orchid was getting worse so I decided to go ahead. I found the medium very wet and most (almost all) roots rotten, so I cleaned up the roots and repotted it using bark (had some kind of moth before).
Now I think I probably did the right thing repotting it but I am not sure it can recover ....

[nhman]

First off - you did the correct thing. You have given the plant a chance to -perhaps- bloom again. Without any action, it would not have the opportunity.
Now, you didn't say what type of orchid it was. That is important to giving you the "finer points" in its culture, growing media, etc.
Generally, however, you could consider watering with a root growth stimulator to help encourage root growth.
Please give us more information, if you can, about the type of orchid it is (that is Catt, Phal. etc., etc) and we can be more specific with recommendations.
Good Luck!

[Claudia]

Thanks for the quick reply!
The orchid is a Phal. very similar to this one


I am attached to it, being my first one!

I have some rooting hormone powder (Indole-3-butyric acid 0.1%), could I use that? dissolved in water?

For potting medium I used some "Potting bark for orchids"

One of the two spikes folded on itself today, two days after repotting) and I cut it, the other one still there with a flower close to blooming... should I cut it or I can leave it?

Thanks again!

[quiltergal]

If it's nearly rootless cut all the spikes off. The plant can't support itself as well as bloom spikes on a compromised root system. You want it to focus all of it's energy on growing new roots and leaves, not blooming. Once it's healthy given the right culture it will bloom again.

[Becca]

I agree with Terri! Cut the spikes off so it can put its energy into recovering and not blooming!

[nhman]

OK - you have a Phal.
Using NEW medium (older stuff decays and holds more water about the roots.) - the "commercial" type of bark is generally OK, but if you have access to media specific for Phals it may be better.
Watch your temp and humidity too - you can get specific info for you orchid on the American Orchid Society Site.
DynaGrow KLN is a great "medicine" for encouraging rooting in orchids.
With some tender loving care, you should be able to bring this one back.
Also see "Spag and Bag" threads for other ideas.

[Claudia]

Thanks to all. I was afraid I had to cut the spike.... I did it.
A couple of healthy roots are there so I hope it will recover.

[Claudia]

Unfortunately my chid did not make it, now all leaves are dying.

[playtime8978]

I am so sorry, my first orchid did the same thing as I bought it sick from a grocery store it only lived two weeks and decided it couldn't live anymore even after repotting it declined so fast. I decided this was a sign to try again and has got me into Orchids and their care I am so new at this its all scary but at least that first orchid got me started and interested. It might be a sad loss but without it would you have found this passion?

[quiltergal]

Claudia, don't throw it out just yet. Orchids can surprise you. I had one that was down to one leaf and it pulled through. It took a long time to recover....nearly 2 years, but it did.