Reviving Dying Orchids

[eyesof]

Hello,

I am beginner orchid enthusiast

I have 2 dying orchids, which unbeknownst to Orchid growth, was re-potted in fertilized soil. I did some research and bought sphagnum moss and fir bark. I removed the dead roots, washed and soaked them in warm water, dried them and re-potted them in the newly watered medium. I have attached a few pictures of the orchids.

Can anyone diagnose if they are revivable or did i just waste my time and money? Are the black spots chemical burn and will they heal? In the process of taking pictures, I accidentally ripped a new leaf growth

Also, I am planning on watering them in 7 days time, maybe even add some orchid fertilizer (banana peel tea) ...Thoughts!

Desperately seeking advise

[DrDawn]

There are a lot of green roots, so I think you'll be ok! Now you'll need some patience to see how they settle into their new pots.

I have several phalaenopsises, split leaves aren't great but won't kill them. They are quite resilient.

See the Sticky about Phals here for more advice: The Phal abuse ends here.

[oregon woodsmoke]

They don't look happy, but they aren't dead. Phals can be picky about conditions, but it you can get the conditions to suit them, they are surprisingly durable and can survive some horrible looking damage.

You don't have anything to lose at this point but a little bit of time. Besides, guess what? You will buy more phals, so you can start practicing with these. Orchids are as addicting as crack. One bite and you are hooked, so enjoy the ride. There is no escape.

[SouthPark]

Accidentally ripping a leaf probably won't result in disaster. So that should be ok.

Your choice of media is definitely workable. One thing to watch out for (with regular roots that aren't adapted to under-water growing or watery-growing) is the condition of roots and media too wet for relatively long times. The potential for running out of oxygen, which all roots must get enough of in order to survive.

Some details in the following links may be useful.

Click Here and Click Here and Click Here and Click Here

As for repotted in 'fertilised soil' ----- details might be needed about this 'fertilised' soil. You mention 'chemical burn' ----- or whether it could be. If the concentration of fertiliser is too high ------ then that sure could have negative impacts on roots.

[Roberta]

Don't worry about fertilizer at this point - even healthy orchids need very little. The "once weekly, weakly" routine is good, but fertilizer isn't going to do much at this point. Think of fertilizer as "vitamins", not "food". (Green plants make their own food, utilize the minerals in fertilizer when they are growing and orchids grow very slowly.) When to water again is determined by how fast they dry out (which depends on light, humidity, warmth at your house... something that nobody else can predict accurately) You can test the moisture level down in the pot with a wood barbecue skewer.. or even sticking your finger down into the bark (if you can do it without disturbing the plant) You want the medium to be just slightly damp before you water again - these orchids want a wet-dry cycle, and lots of air in the root zone. Wen you do water, do it well - so that water runs out of the pot. This pulls fresh air into the root zone, and flushes out built-up crud. Also, you can lift the pot to feel its weight when it is freshly watered, then lift it again as it dries out. You'll find the right interval. I think you're well on your way... Now, just patience.

[eyesof]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advise. I will leave my re-potted Phals as is. I am hoping to update you guys in a month.
Should I buy rooting hormone for these tortured Phals? I find it real hard to let them be and heal. I keep checking in on them daily (must stop).

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by eyesof

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advise. I will leave my re-potted Phals as is. I am hoping to update you guys in a month.
Should I buy rooting hormone for these tortured Phals? I find it real hard to let them be and heal. I keep checking in on them daily (must stop).

You can't rush the process. Just give them normal care. The rest, "tincture of time" is the treatment. (One month is nothing... 6 months more reasonable.) Orchids teach patience.

[DrDawn]

It is ok to look at them daily, just don't do anything else! :-P

Good luck! You can always read lots of forum posts to pass the time while you're waiting for them to settle in!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by DrDawn

It is ok to look at them daily, just don't do anything else! :-P

Good luck! You can always read lots of forum posts to pass the time while you're waiting for them to settle in!

You can look... and water now and then. Another solution to the angst is to acquire more orchids. In bloom is even better. They'll distract you a bit. But others on the Board will tell you that I'm a terrible enabler...

[DrDawn]

Lol, I've got two different orders in already. This quarantine hasn't been good for looking at my orchid shelves and debating what I could fit into a tiny little corner... :-P