near dead phalaenopsis, recoverable? - Orchid Board

samps · #1 10-31-2024, 01:45 PM

I was given this phalaenopsis in critical condition and asked to bring it back if possible, unfortunately, I am not sure it is possible, but I figure I will try.
Right now I have it in a plastic pot with holes in the bottom and peat moss for moisture retention (dry climate). This is in a ceramic pot with a moist towel between it and the plastic.
There are probably more ideal setups, but youtube emphasized keeping humidity high so what little root is left doesn't dry up. Any thoughts? Should I just give up on this poor guy?

Leafmite · #2 10-31-2024, 01:51 PM

Probably. If it is similar to one in a big box store, it might be easier to replace it.

samps · #3 10-31-2024, 01:59 PM

Ah bummer haha
I might keep it around a bit longer but separate from my good plant so it doesn't pass any diseases, but you're probably right lol

camille1585 · #4 10-31-2024, 05:50 PM

I've had some luck reviving orchids with very few roots by sticking them in a transparent plastic crate, on a bed of wet leca pebbles. Crate is kept in indirect light Watering is only needed every 4 weeks or so, and after 6 months the plants had developed tons of new roots. Once ready to leave plant ICU, the plant needs to be slowly acclimated to lower humidity.

samps · #5 10-31-2024, 05:58 PM

Wow thanks! I think I'll try this. Do you close the top to trap humidity or will that get moldy? AZ air is pretty dry most of the time, though I will be indoors obviously

samps · #6 10-31-2024, 06:32 PM

sorry for the double reply, but here's what I have so far (plus an image of a teeny tiny root that might be the one to save the whole plant, possibly)

qbie · #7 10-31-2024, 08:17 PM

Sorry, I have no experience with leca, but may I suggest carefully trying to remove those dried remnants of leaves that still remain? I'm rehabbing my very first orchid and found when I did this with mine, it had tried to grow new roots (see the "nubs"), but was too weak to push through all those tough, brittle layers. Once they were removed, those "nubs" were where my plant grew its new roots. It will probably take a long time to recover. It took 14 months (of which there was much root growth, however) before mine finally sprouted a new leaf. I think yours may have a chance and wish you much luck!

Edit: Saw that you just joined. Welcome!

tmoney · #8 11-01-2024, 01:30 AM

howdy! imho, that isn't worth saving. did the person say where they got the plant, or why it is so important to them to try and save?

unless its something super rare or they inherited it from gramma, my vote would be for the circular file. best of luck with the rehab, tho!!

camille1585 · #9 11-01-2024, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samps

Wow thanks! I think I'll try this. Do you close the top to trap humidity or will that get moldy? AZ air is pretty dry most of the time, though I will be indoors obviously

The usual recommendations is to have air movement inside or not close the bag/container/other completely. However I didn't have a small fan, and am bad at remembering to open/close things so usually opened it once a week or so. If mold does develop, it's usually on already dead tissue which you can then remove.

samps · #10 11-01-2024, 04:45 AM

---------- Post added at 12:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:43 AM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbie

Sorry, I have no experience with leca, but may I suggest carefully trying to remove those dried remnants of leaves that still remain? I'm rehabbing my very first orchid and found when I did this with mine, it had tried to grow new roots (see the "nubs"), but was too weak to push through all those tough, brittle layers. Once they were removed, those "nubs" were where my plant grew its new roots. It will probably take a long time to recover. It took 14 months (of which there was much root growth, however) before mine finally sprouted a new leaf. I think yours may have a chance and wish you much luck!

Edit: Saw that you just joined. Welcome!

I'll clean it off to give the nubs some room, and thank you it's a welcoming place! However I'm still trying to figure out reply etiquette, so I'm doing quick reply then full replies kind of arbitrarily lol

---------- Post added at 12:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:44 AM ----------

Ok thank you!