Phalaenopsis orchid dying/dead?

[May]

Well, this is my second time at trying to plant an orchid. I've had it for about 4 months. The flowers started falling off, but I thought that was normal due to repotting. Today I saw all the leaves had falled off. They were all as green as when I purchased it. So I had no idea they were barely hanging on. I dug it out carefully to check the roots. Unlike my last one where the leafs were all yellow with grey roots, these look a yellow green. The roots are mostly firm. There is about three with grey tips and a few that look like they want to turn brown. None are mushy. My question is can I save it? Should I find a bark and place it on it? I'm not sure if I over watered or not watered it enough so not sure how to save it if there is a chance of saving it. Any advice is appreciated, thanks. I attached a picture as well.

[RandomGemini]

I don't think it's dead. It could be, but I think I see some green in there. It can't hurt to repot it and find out.

The problem, I think is that you are potting it in soil. Phals are arboreal plants, meaning they grow on trees in nature, not in dirt. They won't thrive in soil and Miracle Gro's "orchid mix" has a lot of soil in it. You need to find a coarse bark mix. I use bettergro phalaenopsis mix and you can find it at Lowe's, home depot, places like that.

There's a great guide to repotting that a wise person here on the forum sent to me that helped me repot my phal.

Orchid Repotting Clinic - Phalaenopsis

I would start there. DO use the clear plastic pot for your orchid, because their roots are sometimes photosynthetic, so getting some light to those roots might help save your plant. I am sure others on here will have more ideas for you.

[May]

I did infact use Miracle gro's orchid mix because I thought that is what they liked. I am unable to go buy some coarse bark mix today, but can tomorrow. Do you think it will die completely by then? Is coarse bark mix and small pieces of wood different? I ask because I actually live out in the country so finding some from orange trees would be no issue.

[Wild Orchid]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

I don't think it's dead. It could be, but I think I see some green in there. It can't hurt to repot it and find out.
.

I'm afraid, I have to disagree. It appears the plant has suffered a major crown rot, and in MHO it would be rather frustrating and fruitless to try to grow anything out of the remaining roots.

I'd start anew with a few lessons learned -not to get moisture on the crown and not to grow Phals in soil.

We've all been there and personally, I LOVE rescuing Phals. But even being that passionate, I also learn when to stop resucication and focus on those that have potential.

So sorry for the dissapointment.

[Orchidgirl83]

It is possible that it could grow a basal keiki (baby plant), but it would take a long time for it to grow to blooming size again. Like Wild Orchid said, it sounds like water got in the top of the plant, and caused the crown to rot. Sorry that the news is not better.

[RJSquirrel]

All I can offer for help is this...it really will make you feel better the way he plays

Chopin: Marche funèbre (Funeral March), op. 35 | Cory Hall, pianist-composer - YouTube

[May]

Well, I'm definately learning a lot. I had no idea that water near the crown would damage it. I will make sure not to use the miracle gro next time either.

So what would you guys suggest I do when I purchase a new orchid aside from what has already been suggested. Best way to repot it?
Thanks for the vid.

[kindrag23]

I like Phals. And Phaph lady slippers. They are pretty! I use better gro phal mix ob. For phals. And then better gro special mix for my dendrobium, cymbidium etc...stick with a phalenopsis they are pretty forgiving!

Look for firm healthy green(white over lays the green roots) roots not mushy or black.
Make sure your pot has plenty of drain/air holes
The plants like to be in their pot snuggly. But not too snugly (does that make sense)
Does this help at all?

[RandomGemini]

What kindrag said.

If you go to your local home store and take the above advice when choosing a plant, you'll find a phal that you can work with. As far as the rest of the advice, you need to read this thread:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

I skipped over a lot of the conversation and just read the posts that were put up by King of Orchid Growing as they had the most information in them. That should give you the basics of how to care for a phal. I wouldn't worry about mounting one and hanging it somewhere, you can grow phals in pots just fine and there's plenty of info on how to do that in this thread.

Good luck!

[WhiteRabbit]

I have gotten new growth (basal keiki) from a leafless, crown rotted Phal, but as stated, it's been very slow growing ... So, it's worth a try if you wish too. I just cared for mine normally.