Issues with new Rhychorides Bangkok Sunset

[sweetas647]

Hello all!

I ordered a Rhychorides Bangkok Sunset from a reputable orchid vendor. It was sent to me from Florida and I received it here on the West Coast on October 6th.

When I received it, it had yellowing leaves and was covered in tiny black spots. Also there's what looks like maybe algae coating the roots and even a bit on the crown.

I've been hoping that it was just traumatized by transport and will bounce back. I haven't seen much change in the limited time I've had it, besides some of the yellowing leaves developing blackened tips.

What do you guys think? Transport trauma or something more sinister?

[Ray]

The spots are perfectly normal for the plant.

The loss of a single lower leaf is not a particular worry, but in my opinion, the vase culture will not be very favorable.

These critters like it hot and bright, and with frequent watering followed by drying.

[estación seca]

The spots are normal pigmentation. This is a plant that likes high humidity and high temperatures.

[sweetas647]

Phew well that makes me feel better thanks you guys!

I did have it in a basket but I'm in a desert environment so I was worried it wasn't getting enough water, and with it not looking super healthy at the moment, I wanted to give it a little boost but I'll try the basket again - maybe with a grow light heading into winter

[estación seca]

I live in a desert, too. You're going to have a hard time with this through the winter unless you get a humidifier, and perhaps figure out how to put this plant into some kind of enclosure to keep humidity up. Ultrasonic humidifiers work well.

Consider putting a little something into the basket like very large chunks of bark, volcanic cinders or LECA clay balls from a hydroponics shop. It will keep the roots moist for a few more hours after watering. Most Vandas and relatives need their roots soaking wet at least once a day. People also succeed growing them in pots with large chunks of medium.

[Dollythehun]

I've had this for a few years. It came in a basket and I left it in there. I put a few chunks of coconut husk around it for stability. However, it's bloomed every year in my south window. If there was a way to get it out of the basket and into a pot, I'd do it. I think it would thrive then. I concluded this because I was told to grow my Rhychnostylis dry, like a succulent. Not a good idea, it didn't take off until I potted it. Then it got ring spots on the leaves and in frustration, I tossed it and started over. The most recent one I was told to grow like a cat. So far so good.