has my orchid died?? :-( - Page 6 - Orchid Board

beckie_boo22 · #51 07-13-2012, 12:45 PM

There's 2 remaining roots which both look like they've split. Does that mean they're no good? Would I cut them leaving it with no roots or leave them be? How long would I leave it in the glass for? An empty glass?

Paul Mc · #52 07-13-2012, 12:56 PM

Yes, an empty glass unless you are able to suspend it entirely over a little bed of water in the bottom with no touching of the roots or plant whatsoever. Optimally, you'd want the small basin of water to aid with humidity though.

Can you post a pick of this "splitting"? I want to be absolutely clear on what you are talking about. Also, a pick of the overall roots as of now would be helpful, and the nub.

Wynn Dee13 · #53 07-13-2012, 01:21 PM

I would like a picture too. I don't quite understand what you mean by splitting roots. Even if it only has one good root it can be saved. People have even saved ones with no roots. Since it means so much to you don't give up on it until it has no leaves and no roots. Since it is growing a leaf it should put out some new roots too. Just keep it in a humid place.

Don't give up yet! Even if it does die don't give up on orchids! Don't you think all of us have killed many before too? I have been growing orchids for 11 years and I have killed tons! My first orchid died too. This is how you learn and then you don't repeat what you did wrong (hopefully). You can grow orchids for years and years and you still wouldn't know it all. Phalaenopsis orchids are readily available pretty much in any grocery store so buy some more! They are the best to learn on cause they don't cost much. There are so many beautiful orchids out there you don't want to quit now! It is a great rewarding hobby! Just wait until you save one or get one to bloom again all by yourself. It is so rewarding and exciting! Even if you save this one you should buy more so you have something in bloom all the time. Your plant should have an orchid friend too you know!

We will also be here to help you learn whether it is saving this one or on your next orchid!

beckie_boo22 · #54 07-13-2012, 01:43 PM

I seem to have found another possible new root. One's small and bright green the other is a fair bit bigger and slightly muddy green. One of the roots is barely hanging on and the other actually isn't that bad, there's a small split at the base. Hopefully you can see what i mean

Paul Mc · #55 07-13-2012, 02:10 PM

Still not sure I see the "split", sorry. Maybe someone else will notice that and assist. Overall though, the roots look healthy, especially that new longer one! Don't give up!!!! I know it might be frustrating, but it is a learning curve, and once you get the hang of it, it won't be so frustrating. In fact, it is a pure pleasure to watch orchids under your care rebloom!!!!

beckie_boo22 · #56 07-13-2012, 02:18 PM

So shall I repot it in the mix I've got while I find something more suitable???

Wynn Dee13 · #57 07-13-2012, 02:48 PM

NO! Don't put it in the mix you have! It will kill the roots you do have. Do what Paul said with the vase. Remember, these plants can be grown on a piece of wood with NO medium whatsoever. It usually only works well if you can provide high humidity but never mind about that. It will be fine with you watering it once a day by soaking the roots for five to ten min. and mist the roots a few times a day. Especially mist the new little roots. But you should get new medium as soon as you can. Try sending Rosie a message.

I think I know what you mean about the splitting at the base. Are you talking about the base of the plant or the end of the roots? If it is at the base of the plant I see some splitting at the base of some leaves. This is normal. It is where the spike and/or roots broke through. Sometimes the base of the leaves do it as the plant grows too.

I can't believe you gave up on that plant so easily! It is growing roots and leaves! It isn't even close to being dead! It's not even shrivled up and it hasn't lost most of its leaves. You should see some of the plants people try to save on here. They are way way worse than yours and some live. There is a member here who only grows plants he finds almost dead in the trash and believe me I would of gave up on those. But he gets them growing and blooming again.

TwoStems · #58 07-13-2012, 02:57 PM

Your orchid is definitely viable!! Get some orchid potting mix asap and you'll be fine

From your first few pics it looks like the humidity may not be high enough around the plant, try keeping it on a humidity tray or a small plate with rocks and a little water on it (do not let the pot stand in water). Once you get it into some fresh media you should be fine and well on your way to a healthy, happy phal! Good luck

Paddle_grl · #59 07-13-2012, 03:50 PM

It will be fine. I've saved Orchids with one leaf and half a root!! I,however, have switched to growing all my phal's in semi hydroponic. It's easier to keep an eye on the roots, and if you get an infestation of bugs....you can just take it out of the medium and hose them off. Re pot it and give it some TLC and it will be flowering in no time!

james mickelso · #60 07-14-2012, 12:10 AM

I actually like a chunkier bark based media. It allows you to water more often without too much concern over the media staying too wet. That is the most important thing about media. How much air it allows to the roots. If you have a more open media you probably could water every day and that would encourage more roots and leaves.