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Originally Posted by steph
Thank you so much everyone for the quick responses. Junebug: Your detailed instructions were exactly what I was looking for - thanks.
So I went ahead and took the plant out of the pot. The roots indeed look terrible. I'm assuming they are all dead? A few more leaves fell off during the process too.
If all goes well, are the old canes eventually going to grow new leaves? Or are they only left there to provide energy to the new growths? Will it take years before I see flowers again?
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Hi Steph,
The canes will not produce more leaves, but they will provide energy so the plant can recover. It's important to not remove Phal Type Dendrobium canes until they are completely shriveled and yellowed. This rule also applies to healthy plant specimens. Removing them can cause severe set backs and long recoveries. I had to learn this the hard way.
Looking at you're 3rd photo the large cane appears to have a small white root (nub) beginning to grow at the base. This is good and I'm hopeful that that particular cane (which is probably your plants latest growth) might produce other roots while growing new canes. The new canes will produce new roots too. The other 3 (older canes) are finished with their root production and they're just there to provide energy and a bit of moisture as a strategy to ensure survival.
You'll need to trim the mushy roots back further before repotting. There probably won't be much left when your done. Because of this it will be necessary to devise some way of anchoring your plant in the pot so it won't topple over.
Other members suggested water culture and sphag and bag. IMO this is not a good idea and would lead to further rot. Basically the plant has already drowned. It needs an available source of water without sitting in it. In addition it needs humidity, warmth, good air circulation and proper lighting. Keep in mind that you live in a vastly different growing zone than I do. Central Florida winters are mild and short and don't typically kick in until Mid-December. You're natural growing season has probably ended and this might affect the recovery of your plant. Our climates couldn't be more different and I'm sure you'll need some helpful hints on how to provide warmth, humidity, lighting, and proper air circulation from other northern growers. Unfortunately you'll need to learn how to mimic "mother nature" and I have no useful knowledge in this department.
It may be a year or so before you see blooms, but look at it this way...you'll be gaining alot of useful knowledge by nursing your plant to life and you'll be so elated and proud when it begins blooming again. You're plant has an energy reserve of 4 existing canes and has a great chance for recovery. Wishing you the best of luck.
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