How to save my orchid?

[starwave]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I like to have moss loose so that it does dry out fast. There are other people who have better success with having it packed. As I mentioned, my preference would be to use bark rather than moss because it is much easier to get the watering right. For a start though, you need to stop messing with the plant! And don't cut any more roots even if they don't look good. Pot it however works best for you, then water it so that it is not soggy, but just moist. One approach is to water it well, let it drain, and then weigh it on a kitchen scale or postal scale. Weigh it the next day, etc. When the rate of weight loss slows down (not much more water to evaporate) it's time to water.

There are many ways to get this right. The goal is "humid air" around the roots. Keep the goal in mind. Don't worry about air roots - you can mist them to keep them firm and happy. The most productive roots will be the new ones in the pot. But even a bad root is better than no roots... it can hydrate the plant while it is growing new ones.

Thank you very much!
I like this method! Let me try it!

[starwave]

In moss again!
I will post later about how it goes.
Thank you all for the help!

[starwave]

I have another question: when can I start to give it fertilizer?
I used to give 1/4 dose of miracle gro all purpose, once every two weeks. Is that good?

[Optimist]

Originally Posted by starwave

I have another question: when can I start to give it fertilizer?
I used to give 1/4 dose of miracle gro all purpose, once every two weeks. Is that good?

Miracle-gro is too strong for orchids. They need orchid fertilizer.

Although you dilute it, but it is not the same thing as having a different ratio of NPK

Also, some, you can feed "weakly, weekly" but others need 2 feedings per year.

[Dimples]

Miracle Gro all purpose has a NPK ratio of 3-1-2 and that’s just fine for orchids. It lacks calcium and magnesium but your tap water may have enough depending on where you are in the US. Diluted to 1/4 strength is also fine. Moss holds on to nutrients longer than bark so once every two weeks is probably about right, but I’ll let someone that grows in moss confirm that part. Make sure to water with plain water every few waterings to slow mineral buildup.

As for when to start, if it has functioning roots I give it fertilizer. If the roots are iffy but it’s actively growing, it gets fertilizer but less frequently.

[starwave]

Originally Posted by Dimples

Miracle Gro all purpose has a NPK ratio of 3-1-2 and that’s just fine for orchids. It lacks calcium and magnesium but your tap water may have enough depending on where you are in the US. Diluted to 1/4 strength is also fine. Moss holds on to nutrients longer than bark so once every two weeks is probably about right, but I’ll let someone that grows in moss confirm that part. Make sure to water with plain water every few waterings to slow mineral buildup.

As for when to start, if it has functioning roots I give it fertilizer. If the roots are iffy but it’s actively growing, it gets fertilizer but less frequently.

Thanks. I am in NJ.

---------- Post added at 07:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:25 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Optimist

Miracle-gro is too strong for orchids. They need orchid fertilizer.

Although you dilute it, but it is not the same thing as having a different ratio of NPK

Also, some, you can feed "weakly, weekly" but others need 2 feedings per year.

Thanks. I will buy orchid fertilizer later.

I have superthrive. Any one has experience about that?

[starwave]

Today the surface of moss feels dry, but weight loss is still almost linear. So I still need to wait and water later, right?

And I saw some white things on dried root. Any one knows what it is? Is this harmful?

[Roberta]

Skip the Superthrive. I had a problem with mutated flowers after using if for about a year. If you want a root stimulant, Kelpak/Kelpmax is gentle, use as directed, it is good stuff. But those roots look good, they probably don't need any particular treatment.

If it is still losing weight, the bottom of the pot is probably pretty wet. You want the moss to be damp (not crispy) but not soggy. I'd wait another day or so. but it doesn't look overly wet - there's lots of air. As the root dries, it will turn white. That is the spongy coating called velamin, which helps the roots store water. When the root is wet, it will be green - the roots do have chlorophyll. If the roots are turning white, that is another indication that it is getting to be time to water soon. So I'd say maybe tomorrow or the next day for water.

[starwave]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Skip the Superthrive. I had a problem with mutated flowers after using if for about a year. If you want a root stimulant, Kelpak/Kelpmax is gentle, use as directed, it is good stuff. But those roots look good, they probably don't need any particular treatment.

If it is still losing weight, the bottom of the pot is probably pretty wet. You want the moss to be damp (not crispy) but not soggy. I'd wait another day or so. but it doesn't look overly wet - there's lots of air. As the root dries, it will turn white. That is the spongy coating called velamin, which helps the roots store water. When the root is wet, it will be green - the roots do have chlorophyll. If the roots are turning white, that is another indication that it is getting to be time to water soon. So I'd say maybe tomorrow or the next day for water.

Thank you. All roots in moss are still green. I will wait.
The part which has white things on are previously dried. Red circled part.

[Roberta]

The circled part is just an older root. The velamin is somewhat shriveled. No harm, it looks like you have plenty of good roots. but to take the photo did you take it out of the pot? Please put it back in the pot and leave it alone... With fresh medium, you won't need to repot it for a year or so with sphagnum, bark would last longer. The roots need to become accustomed to their new home.