should i feed my orchid

[SlipperGirl]

Hi

should I feed my orchid. It does not have hardly any roots. I have the MSU orchid fertilizer.

thanks

[Ray]

If it has very few roots, you need to focus on that, and totally disregard food for the time being.

How did it get into that shape?

[james mickelso]

Though I am guessing phal, what type orchid do you have that has few roots? In Michigan it is cold and dry. You need to keep the humidity up around no less than 40% so the orchid doesn't struggle too much and keep it warm. Also give it as much light as you can.You can feed any orchid by diluting your fertilizer to 1/8th or so and spraying the undersides of the leaves. Orchids with root damage can be fed this way for A TIME. But very diluted or you run the risk of salt burn on the leaves. Ray, what would you suggest for this type application? The stoma will take in some water and food but do you have any suppliments that would help?

[SlipperGirl]

Yes it is a phal and I keep the humidity at about 50%

[Paphluvr]

If it is a Phal. with very few roots and you happened to buy it in a "Big Box Store", you aren't by chance using the recommended ice cube watering method, are you? This is the worst watering method you can use. Like others have recommended, don't worry about fertilizer but concentrate on getting new root growth instead. With any type of orchid: few good roots = little good growth.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

If it is a Phal. with very few roots and you happened to buy it in a "Big Box Store", you aren't by chance using the recommended ice cube watering method, are you? This is the worst watering method you can use. Like others have recommended, don't worry about fertilizer but concentrate on getting new root growth instead. With any type of orchid: few good roots = little good growth.

Oh no I am not using that ice cub watering thing that they tell you to do I know better then that. My plant has little roots because I first over watered it then I put it in soil that did not drain well so it got over watered again then I put the poor plant in vase cultur and that took the last of the roots This is my first orchid can you tell

[Paphluvr]

Don't get discouraged! I've killed a few in my years of growing, but once the orchid bug bites it's hard to get rid of the fever.

[cbuchman]

Phals are pretty resilient too. Patience will be needed, but it could still recover. Try misting the undersides of the leaves to help keep the plant hydrated while it gathers it's strength for root growing.

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