Orange pseudobulb - can my Miltoniopsis be saved?

[Linn]

Is there any way to save this Miltoniopsis? I really want to try because it was a present from my grandmother who recently died...
It started loosing its leaves not long after I got it. I saw it had some bugs in the soil. I got rid of them, but the orchid continued getting worse, loosing leaves. Then the bulbs started turning orange at the base, as you can see in the picture. It also feels a bit soft where it is orange.

Is there any hope?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, but there's no saving this plant.

I can tell you how to grow this plant though.

Miltoniopsis are cool to intermediate growers. They like to be evenly moist but not wet. It is best to grow them potbound. Lighting should be shade to moderate. Media of choice are small grade wood chips.

[quiltingwacko]

If you have a tag identifying the plant, you may be able to get another one to remember your grandmother by. When one is first starting out with orchids, you lose some as you learn how to care for them. Carol

[camille1585]

I agree, it doesn't look good for the plant, especially since there are no new growths that could potentially save it.(unless there is one hiding behind the bulbs). Seeing the extreme wrinkling of the bulbs, I doubt there are any viable roots. I've lost two Oncidium type plants in the past, and once that orange infection sets it, that's pretty much the end of it. I'm sorry. That's how orchid growing goes, you lose some in the beginning, and still lose some even when you have experience with them. After 4 years of growing I still kill some. I killed one last month, one of my favorites.

I agree with Carol, if you know what it was, you could always get another. I know it's not the same as having the original plant, but it's better than nothing.

[Linn]

I thought so. At first it was only one of them that was orange, then the other one too.
Does anyone know what that is? An infection? Did I water too much? (Maybe I did, because when I was trying to get rid of the pest it had I soaked it in soapy water.)

Does anyone think there is a tiny chance of saving it if there are a few viable roots and I cut everything else away and bag it? I guess I have nothing to loose by trying...

If so, I see that many people suggest using some root solution and different chemicals but I don't think they sell anything like that in Norway.

[camille1585]

Once an orchid reaches this stage, the problem usually started a while ago. The roots probably rotted (from over watering usually) then the bulbs slowly began to wrinkle, and once they run out of reserves, they die. It's at that final stage that I saw the orange on my dead ones. I think you might have had a chance of saving it a few weeks back.

You can always give it a try to save it if you want, but I don't think it's worth it. Oncidium alliance plants (just like Catts and Dens) don't regrow roots on bulbs that have lost them. Once the roots die, that's it for the bulb. Thus the importance of new growths to save a plant. And I doubt your plant has any energy left to grow anything. But if you really want to try, sphag and bag is probably the way to go as it keeps the plant from losing more moisture. Put the plant in a transparent bag and add either a damp sponge, damp sphagnum or damp paper towels. Just make sure the plant doesn't touch the it. Keep in a warm spot, out of direct sunlight.
Probably won't help this one, but this technqiue is always good to know for future saves.

[Linn]

Thanks. Yes, I think you're right and it's too late. I'll give it a try anyway as I have nothing to loose. I'll let you know if a miracle happens :-)