Schoenorchis Fragrans-healthy for five years and suddenly pale coloring? - Orchid Board

DesignerofBeauty · #1 10-25-2019, 09:47 PM

Hello All,

I am quite saddened, as this is my favorite orchid. My schoenorchis fragrans was extremely healthy and doing well for five years. Suddenly, this happened. I check my orchids twice daily; the orchid wasn't like this this morning if I recall correctly. I am suspecting sunburn as it was placed in brighter light temporarily. Any ideas? I know it has a keiki at the bottom. However, I hope the upper portion of the plant is not a goner.

This is a vandaceous orchid, and needs around 4000fc of light. Reddish coloring is acceptable. However, admittedly, there is a bit too much on the orchid to the right. Is this a disease/fungal infection or sunburn?

thanks!

Ray · #2 10-26-2019, 12:12 AM

This plant does definitely NOT need that light level!

Dappled shade - 1500-2000 fc at noon at the most.

DesignerofBeauty · #3 10-26-2019, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

This plant does definitely NOT need that light level!

Dappled shade - 1500-2000 fc at noon at the most.

Perhaps I'm wrong. Where did you get this information? I have around 30 micro miniature orchids, and Andy's website has always been accurate.

Here's the listing:
Andy's Orchids - Species Specialist - Schoenorchis fragrans

I do half the footcandle amount as they grow under artificial lights.

Ray · #4 10-26-2019, 08:48 AM

I "plucked" that tid-bit out of Orchid Wiz, which gets much of its information from the Baker's Culture Sheets (orchidculture.com).

The symbology at orchidspecies.com seems to back it up.

DesignerofBeauty · #5 10-26-2019, 09:12 AM

Interesting, thanks for the information. I have never damaged a plant this badly. How should I proceed to care for this plant?

Roberta · #6 10-26-2019, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesignerofBeauty

Perhaps I'm wrong. Where did you get this information? I have around 30 micro miniature orchids, and Andy's website has always been accurate.

I do half the footcandle amount as they grow under artificial lights.

I think this is one where Andy has learned better, he's terrible about updating the computer when he finds that his original assumptions needed modification. I know where he actually grows them.. fairly shady (and also on the cool side, in a covered but otherwise open shade house). So while Andy's info is usually pretty good, it's not perfect and it sure looks to me that this is one that needs to be better.

(I have the advantage of being able to visit the nursery often, it's about an hour's drive from my house, I help at open houses... I have learned a lot from seeing where things actually grow that I apply to my own plants. Few people have this opportunity)

DesignerofBeauty · #7 10-26-2019, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roberta

I think this is one where Andy has learned better, he's terrible about updating the computer when he finds that his original assumptions needed modification. I know where he actually grows them.. fairly shady (and also on the cool side, in a covered but otherwise open shade house). So while Andy's info is usually pretty good, it's not perfect and it sure looks to me that this is one that needs to be better.

(I have the advantage of being able to visit the nursery often, it's about an hour's drive from my house, I help at open houses... I have learned a lot from seeing where things actually grow that I apply to my own plants. Few people have this opportunity)

Oh, wow. You are incredibly lucky. I live in Rhode Island and I would absolutely love to visit his greenhouses. I'm very envious. This being said, I'll definitely relocate it to a shadier area. Thanks for the info.

Do you have any ideas about what I can do to save the plant. As I mentioned above, I have not damaged a plant this badly before. Should I just remove the damaged part? Or remove the whole upper plant and save the keiki. This plant is pretty special to me.

Roberta · #8 10-26-2019, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesignerofBeauty

Do you have any ideas about what I can do to save the plant. As I mentioned above, I have not damaged a plant this badly before. Should I just remove the damaged part? Or remove the whole upper plant and save the keiki. This plant is pretty special to me.

I would just move it to a shadier spot and watch it. The burned parts may dry up, but maybe will send out new growths. Not attractive, but unless you see signs of rot, I suggest seeing what the plant can do to heal itself. (I suspect in nature this happens occasionally... )

DesignerofBeauty · #9 10-26-2019, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roberta

I would just move it to a shadier spot and watch it. The burned parts may dry up, but maybe will send out new growths. Not attractive, but unless you see signs of rot, I suggest seeing what the plant can do to heal itself. (I suspect in nature this happens occasionally... )

Unfortunately, the bleached area feels a bit weaker and slightly mushy

. I'll see what happens. Thank you again for your help.

Roberta · #10 10-26-2019, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesignerofBeauty

Unfortunately, the bleached area feels a bit weaker and slightly mushy

. I'll see what happens. Thank you again for your help.

It will probably just drop the damaged leaves. If so, you'll be able to get a better look at the stem to see if there are rot issues there.