To cut or not to cut at base of crown?
 

I have an office orchid bought from the grocery store. I won't be too sad if it doesn't make it, as it was simply bought to spruce up the reception area. That having been said, I'd like to save it if I can.

Of course it's planted in uber-soggy moss, and I would bet that many of the roots below moss level aren't good. In fact, the body of the plant below the bottom most leaves looks to be shrunken and grey/brown.

It's a large (mature?) plant: 10 large leaves, 1 smaller one growing in; 2 flower spikes, 2 branches each; half a dozen air roots. (Steroid plant!?)

My question is: If I do find that most roots below moss level won't make it can I cut this orchid off cleanly at moss level and 'repot'?

It would be tricky to do since there would be nothing much to anchor it there, but I'd be willing to steak it with bamboo skewers and tie it down gently if necessary. There are several places on the stem just under the bottom leaves that look like they could produce new roots, too.

:bowingTIA,
Laura

p.s. I'll try for pics, but it's tough since the plant's at the office and I may never remember to bring my camera! :duh:

If you have a long stalk that is brown/rotting at the bottom of the plant where roots have rotted off then, yes, you cut it off.
However, you should leave enough for stabilization of the plant(not a big fan of the "skewer" idea) in the new pot/media.
Furthermore, it might be worth presoaking your media in a rooting solution like KLN prior to repotting.

Thanks, Eyebabe.

When I say use bamboo skewers, I certainly don't intend to pierce any part of the plant. I would use them as stakes/supports more or less.

Does this mean that I should leave some of the stalk even if it's clearly dead?

If the entire stalk if dead up to the basal leaves...then there are probably no roots. This is an entirely different problem.
Usually there is a good inch of living basal stalk tissue with a couple of roots even if they are so-so; I guess my point was to err on the side of removing less, not more.
If you are cutting all the way up to the basal leaves with no roots present at all, then you are in "rescue" mode...
I no longer go there when this happens to me, I go to "Hefty" mode instead. :biggrin:
If I reread your original question then, the answer is "No" you cannot cut this plant off at the base leaving no roots etc. and simply repot; you must have something root wise to sustain it.

Thanks for your speedy answer. I was hoping that between air roots and the bumps below and around the basal leaves (new roots?) that it might make it. Too bad, so sad. Maybe next time! :)

If you have air roots and "bumps" around the basal leaves, you have a good start.
I certainly would not pitch it at this point!
Cut your stalk and leave as much as you can below...you could even remove one or two bottom leaves if it enables you to put a small "air root" into the new media.
Remember, I said "if you have no roots" and clearly, it sounds like you do.
Thus, your odds of success sound good to me.
Remember, you can always go back and cut more away if you need to....

True - I will cut conservatively and see how it goes.

This orchid is in full bloom - one branch is still growing and has unopened buds. Would it be best to wait for the plant to finish blooming before I muck around with roots and repotting, or is it best to get rid of the dodgey moss and roots asap? Will cutting off one/both flower spikes speed root production and healing?

Thanks, Eyebabe. After saving it's life I may have to name this one after you! Eye-rene? :idea:

LOL
Love the name!
Most people will tell you to wait until after the blooms are done.
However, phal blooms can last a long, long time.
I usually repot a phal when I think it needs it regardless of blooms...I'd rather save roots.
But I generally don't cut the spikes off right away(esp with flowers on them ^.^); I give it a wait and see.
You can certainly cut them off later if you feel the need.
Good luck!

I agree with much of what is said above but offer a bit of my own advice.
The first I would do with the, whether in flower or not, is to remove from its current medium, wash off as much of old media as possible (use your kitchen sink sprayer in a pan full of tepid water); cut off any roots that are soft and mushy; allow plant to dry off a bit; then repot in fresh medium.

Re: flower spikes ... plants throw flower spikes either because they are healthy and robust OR because it's their last chance to survive (attract a pollinator). Plants that are in flower use a LOT of stored energy, so on a failing plant, you need to direct the energy back into the roots, leaves.

You can enjoy a cut inflorescence for several weeks.

OB and other websites have culture sheets for Phals and other orchids. We OB will give you plenty of tips, but if you have a chance to actually see how its done at a local orchid society, all the better.

Good luck and remember that most of us fanatics have killed an orchid or two along the way. :)

Thanks cneos,

"Dry off a bit" meaning a half hour or several hours?

I have killed a few at home. I gave it three shots and then gave up. I think my biggest challenge was buying the orchids from unreputable sources (eg grocery store!) so I was not off to a good start to begin with. Maybe I should spring the 40 bucks and get one from a reputable florist. I've just had such frustrating experiences!

Is this a decent place to get them? Buy Orchids Online: Infinity Orchids I made up the order, and for a phal with two flower spikes, it comes to $47CDN with FedEx ground shipping -included-. Does that sound reasonable?