Yellowing Leaves and Dark Areas on Vanilla Orchid Cutting

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Swimmingorchids

meh Ray will have you believe only his kelpmax works. Kelpmax won't do anything if the plant dries out. It needs some roots first so a high humidity setting and it should be sitting in some spagnum moss that is constantly moist till roots develop.

I have been away for a while since Ray will want to come out to arrest your plants for daring to drink anything except his precious juices, I just know I don't need it. I have tried some bog standard seaweed extract and it's working fine which is what I was looking for.

My order of importance is

1. rainwater - not tap water
2. ph level - I aim for 6.0
3. nutrients (sparingly) - not too much not too little - if no roots no nutrients better than too much
4. booster ( like kelpmax)

The reason I list them like this is because you can use a booster as your main ingredient all you want, if no 1-3 are not right, then any booster will not fix the problem but a booster like seaweed extract, superthrive or even rays magical juices can provide a boost to grow.

"Welcome" back, Swimmie. After your last infantile tirade, I wasn't sure we'd ever hear from you again, but Lo and behold! You're back spewing more technically incorrect information, plus personal attacks on me, for no reason other than your attempt to assuage your pride.

(Neophyte - my apologies, but I'm merely stating science.)

If properly selected, the hormones (and other stimulants, if you're using KelpMax) can be absorbed through plant tissues other than the roots. An extended immersion in such a solution is a very effective way to rescue a desiccated plant. If your statement that it needs to already have roots to absorb them is true, why do we need a root-growth stimulant?

Nutrient ions are far less easily absorbed that way, but a tiny bit of urea might help, and it can be.

Nestling a rootless orchid cutting in moist sphagnum often leads to more rot before it leads to root growth.

Another, totally incorrect point is that I think that "only KelpMax works". I have never said that, and never will. Most stimulant products can work, but have shortcomings related to chemistry, processing, aging, storage, MOA, and the like. In my decades of researching and using them, KelpMax just happens to have a much greater positive:negative ratio than any other I've ever found. Yes, I'm enthusiastic about it; that's why I recommend it.

I figure that if I have invested as much money, effort and emotional energy in my plants as I have, they also "deserve" the best support products I can find. Not doing so would be akin to preparing for a formal event by buying a corsage for your date, booking a limo, getting a haircut, shaving, showering, putting on a tuxedo, then wearing ratty flip-flops.

[neophyte]

about the roots: if you wet the roots, they will become more pliable. you'll be able to tell that they're soaking up the water because they will turn slightly green as they absorb the water. then once they become softer you can hopefully wrap them around the moss pole or something.

[NeonKraken]

Thanks again for all the help! I went ahead and watered and sprayed thoroughly with root simulator covered with a gallon ziploc. I guess I just need to wait a few days to see what happens for now.

---------- Post added at 11:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:42 PM ----------

I think Ray mentioned in another thread to keep the fan running 24/7, not sure if this would help or not. The only reason I've been reluctant is because it is a relatively small area and I don't want to upset the other orchids/succulents in there.

[AnonYMouse]

I can only add to adjust your expectations. A few days is nothing in orchid time. Try a few weeks.

[Swimmingorchids]

whatever Ray suggests, just ignore it like 90% of the people on here.

It also helps to put him on your blocked list. That way you won't have to put up with his nonsense on a daily basis

[NeonKraken]

Thanks for the help. And I'm new here, but lets just try and keep an open mind, if someone if making the effort to help I'm sure they somewhat know what there doing and have decent intentions.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Swimmingorchids

whatever Ray suggests, just ignore it like 90% of the people on here.

It also helps to put him on your blocked list. That way you won't have to put up with his nonsense on a daily basis

Swimmie, I really think you have some mental, or at least emotional issues.

I try to state facts, clear and simple. If I am unsure of something I try to qualify it. My 45+ years of orchid growing has let me understand a lot more about it than your admitted inexperience has, yet you consistently teach more than you know.

Now, as in a few other posts, you claim to know what "90% of the people on here" do or think, when you cannot possibly have any basis for it. A pretty good number of the participants on this forum are my customers and friends - even the ones with whom there are disagreements from time to time.

[Roberta]

Ray, don't take the bait... Swimmie is so new to orchids that he doesn't yet even know what he doesn't know. I'm not concerned with those who have been growing orchids for awhile - we all share what works and what doesn't, qualifying statements based upon an understanding of the differences that people's growing conditions can make. My concern is for the new growers, who don't yet have the knowledge to separate the valid advice from the garbage. As one who is passionate about orchid education, I delight in sharing the insights gained over years of orchid growing, as you and the the other experienced growers on this forum do. Swimmie hasn't even been doing it long enough to kill the orchids that he is trying, since orchids don't do anything fast, including die, and they have a powerful will to live.

[AnonYMouse]

Remember, respect is earned.

[NeonKraken]

Sorry to interfere or change the subject, but did anyone have any further thoughts about the fan running 24/7?