has my orchid died?? :-( - Page 5 - Orchid Board

beckie_boo22 · #41 07-13-2012, 06:34 AM

It's growing a new leaf though so should be ok shouldn't it?

Paul Mc · #42 07-13-2012, 07:36 AM

If it has the energy to grow a new leaf, then it may be. Generally though, the leaves are the last indicator that something is wrong when the roots are involved.

Wynn Dee13 · #43 07-13-2012, 10:12 AM

Just like Paul MC said, the leaves are usually the last to show if there is root damage. So if the mix is not a good one it could take anywhere from a few days to weeks to damage the roots. The thing is you might not notice the roots have been damaged until the leaves show it. They will become wrinkly, wilted, and dehydrated because the roots would be so damaged the plant can't take up any water. After the plant gets to that point it is very hard to save it. That is why everyone recommended you repot your plant. Even a good mix will break down to a soggy, decomposed mess at some point so that is why you have to change it every year or two.

This is why I was saying a lot of the reviews on the site you gave about the mix were rated too soon. Many of them said the mix was great and then said something close to what you said like I just repotted it and it's got a new leaf so it must be happy. But they should of waited to see if the plant lived and grew great in the mix for a while before reviewing the product.

An orchid isn't going to drop dead as soon as it is put in a new mix that it doesn't like. It will take awhile. It is growing a new leaf because right now it is healthy enough to do so. But if you use a bad mix that healthy plant isn't going to last long. I warned you about the Miricle Grow Orchid mix because I know it is bad for Phals and most other orchids. It is a peat mix and it sounds like the kind you got could be similar. Brands like Miricle Grow should not market these mixes for orchids. People buy it thinking it must be good because it says it is for orchids and Miricle Grow makes great products and then they end up with a dead orchid. To me it is false advertising.

How about this, could you take a good close up picture of the mix in a bowl or something? Try to show what it is made of. It would be best if the mix was dry in the photo. That would help to see if it is good or not. I just don't want you to end up with a sick or dead orchid.

beckie_boo22 · #44 07-13-2012, 10:27 AM

I'm getting worried now

Wynn Dee13 · #45 07-13-2012, 10:46 AM

Sorry to say this but I would not use that on my orchids. It is mostly made of peat. Phalaenopsis orchids grow on the side of trees with their roots exposed to the air all the time in nature. This mix will stay too wet and suffocate your plants roots. If I were you I would take that plant out ASAP and keep it bare root until you can get something better. Until then soak the roots once a day for like five to ten minutes and mist it throughout the day a few times to keep it hydrated. You can make your own mix too if you can find the ingredients. Google orchid supply stores and see if one is near you or buy something online. I'm hoping someone from over there can tell you where you can find a good mix. Rosie should be able to point you in the right direction. Of course others might say this mix is okay but like I said I wouldn't use it. You don't need to worry yet. Your plant is still healthy right now. How long has it been in this mix?

beckie_boo22 · #46 07-13-2012, 10:50 AM

10 days

Wynn Dee13 · #47 07-13-2012, 10:52 AM

Okay. I would get it out and check the roots. How often is the medium drying out? A few days, 10 days?

Paul Mc · #48 07-13-2012, 10:54 AM

I agree about the mix you are using. It's way too fine and will suffocate the roots over time. I learned the hard way years ago as I lost many of mine.

Are your roots still plump and healthy?

beckie_boo22 · #49 07-13-2012, 12:15 PM

It's not good guys, got it out and the roots had split. So sadly it's now laying in my bin.
So upsetting, it was a moving in present from my mum for when I moved in with my fiancé 2 years ago. It was symbolic to me, I loved seeing it in bloom. I hoped we would flourish just as it did/was. Is that daft?
It seemed to have the beginnings of a new spike or root right at the bottom though.
I may get another because they are beautiful flowers, not sure.
Thanks everyone for your help and advice.
Just as I thought I may have green fingers after all I got shot down in my tracks. Ah well

Paul Mc · #50 07-13-2012, 12:36 PM

If there is a new root forming, don't pitch it! It may survive! Leave it in a small glass, sitting upright. Every day run water over the roots and very base where the nub is protruding. You may lose a few of the lower leaves, but a new root is a good sign that it can be saved.