Phalaenopsis damaged and looks like dying but won't drop the flowers

[Im Just Saying]

I've used superthrive in the past on a rescue plant. I found that after soaking the central stem and roots for 20 minutes (per the instructions) and adding a plant heat mat that the root development really took off for this plant. I started seeing root development within a week and a half. Since then I've utilized superthrive whenever I re-pot, have a phal in trouble, and once every 4th time I water for my healthy plants. The key is in moderation, I use a weak mix to help guard against potential mutation from use. If you do decide to purchase superthrive I highly recommend keeping it refrigerated after opening as this extends the life of the product significantly. Goodluck with your phal!

[Findish]

melimelo

the photos are five days apart of the same plant

Findish's ShowCase :: In progress #9

Findish's ShowCase :: #9

[naoki]

Originally Posted by Im Just Saying

The key is in moderation, I use a weak mix to help guard against potential mutation from use. If you do decide to purchase superthrive I highly recommend keeping it refrigerated after opening as this extends the life of the product significantly.

Good point about refrigeration, I learned it from Ray. Just for clarification, it is possible, but unlikely that the plant hormone causes genetic "mutation". The problem is more likely to be physiological disorder, which can be fixed once you stop overdoping. Genetic mutations aren't easily reversible.

It's looking good, Findish!

[NatalieS]

Greetings! I too live in Ireland, and it is very difficult to find orchid supplies.

As naoki mentioned earlier, a good place to find bark and media suitable for orchids are pet stores that sell reptiles. Reptile bark is great for orchids! I prefer to use it over the bags of 'orchid compost' you get at garden centres.

Speaking of garden centres, one thing you can get from them is Maxicrop seaweed extract. This is very, very, good for root development. Just a few drops in your water when watering should do. You can substitute this for Superthrive. You will have the advantage of not having to wait for it to arrive in the post.

I know hydroponics stores can look a little intimidating! I always feel uneasy going into one, but they generally stock specialist orchid supplies. If you are anywhere near Dublin there are several that you can visit.

[melimelo]

I took a picture today, which might give you a better sense of what the bark mix is like now that it's dried. I think it dried out really quickly, so today I watered (after a week). I did use a skewer but not the right way... more so the "baking cake" way! I hadn't read first the post you linked, naoki, so I imagined that I was supposed to dip the skewer in the mix and see if it'll come out dry (you know, the way that you can tell the cake is done if no dough stays on the skewer!). At least now I've read the post and I'll know from now on.








It's now a week since I cut the stem with the flowers. I'm keeping the humidity high and I use a mist spray, nearly every day (just once, in the morning). From looking at the leaves, I don't see any signs of reviving, but maybe it's too soon... At least, I can see 3 roots that are nearly coming out of the pot and they are firm and when I watered they turned green (but now back to grey-ish).


Findish, your plant looks like it's doing great, well done!

NatalieS, so great to find a fellow islander! I've to confess that reptile shops wouldn't be my ideal place to walk in, but, alas, if I have to do it to save my little plant I'll face my fear and go! And thanks for suggesting products that I can find in stores locally, that's saving me from ordering from Amazon.

[melimelo]

Thanks, Im Just Saying. I never thought of keeping my plant foods and supplements in the fridge, so will do from now on.

[naoki]

That's great, 3 new roots are already coming out! It will probably take a couple months to see if it's going to make it or not, but it looks promising.

[melimelo]

Well, they're not new roots the ones I see; just 3 of the old but healthy ones that survived my friend's care and they seem to at least not be getting worse. There is a tiny little thing that "bursts" from the main part of the plant, which I think i first saw before I left for holidays and it is still there - doesn't seem to have grown but neither has it withered. My sense was that it would be a new spike but not sure. I'll try take a picture of it and post it here, as I'm sure some of you will know what it is and what it needs.