Phal in Recovery, may need extra advice? Two Large Leathery Leaves?

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Oh, yeah...

Context is very important!

And the wiry root core dealie-bobs?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Speaking of that wiry core- can it still draw up nutrients/water? I've noticed them when repotting sad 'chids, and always wondered if I should leave them after removing the rotten velamen or not.

Don't know. I've often wondered the same thing.

I haven't found an article in a peer reviewed scientific journal that I'm able to access for free that deals with this question.

I also took a class in botany to hopefully answer some of the questions I had about orchid anatomy.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Izzie

So what does one do, if they have an orchid that has lost most of it's roots, has been repotted, and has....2 good green roots that I know of (on a 4" plant), three leaves- one of which is small and somewhat new, and the other two are withering- one withered more than the other, and beginning to yellow.

All while the poor thing is budding from an old spike. It looks like the buds will open in another few weeks, so I'd hate to cut the spike off- but I'm afraid that it's taking too much energy from the plant and it's killing itself.

I've moved it to a shady location and am keeping it humid. :/

PS. Sorry for hijacking, Triffid!

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Don't know. I've often wondered the same thing.

I haven't found an article in a peer reviewed scientific journal that I'm able to access for free that deals with this question.

We should do a science experiment.

It certainly wouldn't be detrimental to leave them would it? I mean, there's no velamen to rot and add to the ickiness.

[Triffid]

Joan, thanks I'll try not to worry.

Izzie, I guess I'm lucky I've never treated my house plants like I treat my roses. Good to know that you should leave the leaves to come of more naturally.

King, Always good to learn more. I'll be sure to take notes! and thanks!
... I don't think mine is infected? Not yet any way, but I'm checking it regularly.


And as for the Hi-Jack Izzie....
I order you to...

CARRY ON!

[Izzie]

Haha, well I figured this would benefit you as well.

Augh. I have a love-hate relationship with roses. We've tried some in large pots outside our house for years, and always manage to let them dry out too much in the winter. (stupid dry CO...) My mom won't let me spend any more money on the big ones, but I really want to try a shrub type this year to see if they'll be hardier.

And the minis that we try always get mildew- a constant problem with all our plants, since our patio doesn't get good air circulation. living in a townhouse, it's all we've got though.
/hijack #2

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Triffid

Izzie, I guess I'm lucky I've never treated my house plants like I treat my roses. Good to know that you should leave the leaves to come of more naturally.

The one exception I can think of in my house are African Violets.

After talking with a lot of growers, and being proved right in my own experience, I've learned a great tip for them.
I'll let you in on the secret.

Every now and then, remove the oldest leaves from the bottom. For whatever reason, it really keeps them flourishing.
I'll pick off a few every other month depending on how fast the plant is growing.

[Triffid]

Key factors of rose care (handed down from Graddad RIP).

Don't be afraid, they are hardier than you think. Cut away the worst and don't be afraid to prune!

Watch out for suckers these are long growth which can look similar to other 'stems' but will never flower. Usually straight and long with little to no side growth.

If leaves show signs of infection just pull them of. Of course don't cross contaminate and dispose of infected leaves separately (never put them back on the compost heap! or the ground around the rose)

Stems showing sign of infection so the same as with the leaves, cut it away and dispose carefully.

Manure is key. Cut back at the end of flowering season beginning of winter. Cover round the stubs with nice Manure (or good compost). This will keep it moister and warmer.

Hope that helps.

On a personal note, Mini Roses are not like your standards and ramblers.... They are just difficult things. Out of four I bought 5 years ago only one has survived and that was because I gave up and put it outside... Go figure.

Never had an African Violet. Will have to remember that.


Anyway... I'll get my coat.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Triffid

Cut away the worst and don't be afraid to prune! Oh I'm a big supporter of pruning, never had a problem with that. The plants I do keep a live are usually pretty full and bushy.

Watch out for suckers these are long growth which can look similar to other 'stems' but will never flower.
Yep, know about those.

(never put them back on the compost heap! or the ground around the rose) I'll keep that in mind, I've never thought of them having an infection I guess. Mildewy/pesty ones I'll toss, yellow ones I've worked back in. :X

Manure is key. Cut back at the end of flowering season beginning of winter. Cover round the stubs with nice Manure (or good compost). This will keep it moister and warmer. That's something we've never taken the time to do (BAD gardener, BAD!). Will keep that in mind this season as well. When we get snow, I used to always make an effort to really pile it onto the roses/perrenials as insulation/water.

On a personal note, Mini Roses are not like your standards and ramblers.
I've never had luck with them inside either, they always go outside


Never had an African Violet. Will have to remember that.
Definitely! They're great companions for phals, since they like the same conditions. If your violet is doing well, your phal should too. They're cheap at grocery stores this time of year too.

Ever seen/smelled a Benjamin Britten rose? My favorite for many years now- smells just like raspberries!
I think it's a "David Austen" rose, whatever that means.

[Triffid]

I feel guilty for talking about Roses, so I promise Orchid fans I'll keep it short!

Izzie, There are variations on spelling but I was sure the name sounded familiar. He's a breeder and it's David Austin.
Here's a link.

David Austin Roses

I don't go for smell, tend to go for looks.


OK... Sorry no more Rose talk I promise !