Need advise on rescuing rootless Lc. Star Parade 'Volcano Queen'

[NewBloom]

Hi,

I picked up the orchid on clearance on 4 days ago with the intention of returning to s/h with this plant. It's one of those Better-Gro bagged plants and looked like it hadn't seen water in ages. Believe me, this was the best looking one in the bunch. I figured if it didn't take, I'd only be out 3 bucks. I remembered reading on Ray's site that s/h could be used a la Sphag & Bag.

I cut off all the dead roots but I the one left in the picture also has to go also. I also cut off a lead that was completely dried out and left the other two on because they aren't completely squishy and thought they might be providing some energy to the plant.

Basically this plant has no roots. I soaked it about 30 minutes in a DynaGro KLN solution. I placed it in the pot featured. Up until today the "reservoir" was a KLN solution. I got a seedling mat today because I thought the water might be too cool. The pot is a 4" slotted pot. Could it be too big.

This afternoon I set it on the mat after replacing the KLN solution with tepid tap water for the reservoir. Then I put a bag over it. Tonight I noticed to very early stages of mold.

I think I need to tweak my action plan but don't know what to do. I've searched the site but feel confused by all the options and unsure what would be best for this plant. Other than the mold the plant looks the same, so at least I have that going for me now.

I plan on cutting off the remaining dead root on Monday and soaking it in KLN again. From there I'm unusure...

1. Downsize the pot to a small plastic cup?
2. Use smaller Hydroton pellets?
3. Try Water Culture with KLN solution to get some roots going before I transition to s/h?
4. Bag or no Bag?
5. Try Sphag & Bag?
6. Is it too late to get this plant back on track?

I appreciate all tips I can get to help. I've read of folks starting off with rootless plants and having success. So I'm holding out hope for this tiny guy, who's the size of a toothpick.

Thanks,

NB

[Leafmite]

With orchids in very poor condition, I take a plastic vanda basket and layer this with about an inch of the moss. Then I take the orchid and place it on top. Larger orchids are staked. I don't use a bag (airflow helps to prevent mold) but I keep the moss damp. This past summer, I rooted two tiny aeranthes seedlings this way. Your heating mat should help greatly. If this is one with a definite growing season, you might have to wait until spring for growth unless you fool it with lights. I'd use a little alcohol on a cotton swab/ball to remove the mold.
Good luck!
Leafmite

[nutgirl]

You need to develop some roots before you transition to S/H.

I have had success with rootless orchids using your Option #3 (I've never used KLN, so I'm not sure about that part)

When you get a good flush of roots started you can change to S/H. If you don't have vigorous root growth you may want to stick with a traditional method until the plant is farther along.

Maureen

[camille1585]

Water culture is a GREAT way to get roots started on Catts, providing their are some viable eyes left on it. I've seen some pretty amazing success stories with Catts doing this, and I've had success with a rootless Den this way.

You only want the very base sitting in the water, I devised a system with string to keep the plant suspended correctly, and then adjusted the water level as it evaporated.

[nutgirl]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Water culture is a GREAT way to get roots started on Catts, providing their are some viable eyes left on it. I've seen some pretty amazing success stories with Catts doing this, and I've had success with a rootless Den this way.

You only want the very base sitting in the water, I devised a system with string to keep the plant suspended correctly, and then adjusted the water level as it evaporated.

Totally agree!

Maureen

[NewBloom]

Thank you all for your suggestions!

I'm leaning towards trying Water Culture to encourage new roots. I will search the site for info and photos on how to get it set up. I've not had success with moss in the past though Leafmite's option sounds do-able since its bagless.

@Camille and Nutgirl:

Do you use plain water with your rootless orchids when doing Water Culture? How many days should the orchid stay in water before I evaluate if it's working? (I know regular plants use about 10 days) The KLN label gives directions on how to use the product for cuttings but I don't know if using it would hurt or help me here since the plant was so neglected.

Camille, are the viable eyes visible to the naked eye? If so, what should I look for?

Btw, would placing the WC container on the heat mat help?

Thanks again! I love to keep learning about these beautiful plants.

[camille1585]

I used plain water, only because I can't find KLN over here, I need to import it from the UK or USA. I did add a few drops of fertilizer, and changed the water every week or so. Don't worry if there's green algae growing in the container or over the plant, it's normal, and harmless. I think that the plant needs to stay there at least a month, probably several before there are root nubs long enough to be ready for a move to S/H.

There are some nic threads that I'll look up for you tomorrow. It's midnight here so I need to get to bed!

[nutgirl]

Regular well water for me. When it gets too green I change it otherwise I add as it evaporates.

I let the base of the plant just touch the water and it can take a while so be patient.

As long as the plant continues to look OK and there is no noticeable rotting I leave it in there.

I've never used the heat mat so can't comment on that.

Maureen

[Zoi2]

Last May I also picked up a real cheapie bag baby at Lowes for a couple of bucks. I got it home and found very little still alive. I put it in water culture for about 4-5 months until it had really good roots then potted up in S/H. I used a tiny liqueur glass with rain water that I changed about every week or so. (KLN the first time) To keep some humidity I put a clear glass vase over it for about a month.
The first picture is the day I got it and the second picture is today.
Joann

[NewBloom]

Zoi2,

That picture of your bagged baby is so inspiring!

I thought with the plant being in water there would be no need to help maintain humidity. Did you lift off the vase from time to time?