I would just give away the plants that are not performing for you. Preferably to someone that also grows orchids or other plants (if you are struggling with them, a complete beginner may struggle even more).

Phalaenopsis with no leaves - if you goal is to resurrect them, water the roots normally - either a keiki will develop or the roots will eventually die. Try to keep water out of the crown.

Thanks, all. Not sure what killed the phals. but I've been waiting two months with no signs of keikis so I will toss them. I'll probably toss some of these others as well as they are not plants that I would feel good about giving away.


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The though of tossing them is the hardest part. Once you do, you will feel lighter and not stressing about them will be a relief. And then you can go orchid shopping:biggrin:

Just went through the oncs and I'm not gonna lie...every single one of them has new growth. I guess the threat was enough. I last checked them last Sunday.


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Don't joke. Threatening them with death really seems to work. I have had many a plant buck up when a death sentence is threatened.

Yup I had that happen, so give them another chance, and let them know new growth is only half of what is expected of them, we also want blooms:rofl:

Re: phals; if you have a shady outdoor spot that gets some rain, set the pots there and forget them. Check them again in the fall before frost.

Seriously . . . I know a bunch of orchid growers that did not see a basal keiki sprout until they neglected the plant for several months. Now is a good time to try.

I'm moving in 6 mo and I'm already dreading the "cull". You've given me an idea...

I figure my fellow orchid enthusiasts can make their own decisions. I'm up front about whether a plant is failing to thrive and, if so, what I think the reason is. As with many things, one person's trash might be another person's treasure . . .

This. I've gotten plants that were 'one man's trash' and were failing with their previous owner; turns out they did fine in my care. (were types I knew I could do well with, and the previous owners were upfront about the condition) I've also given away plants that didn't thrive for me, to have them become some of their new owners' favourites. Failure to thrive may be simply 'doesn't like my conditions'. It doesn't hurt to put up an offer for them cheap plus shipping; if they don't find a home within a reasonable time then to the trash with them. I cringe when I see someone say they tossed in the trash something I would have loved, especially when it was just too large/scraggly/infrequent a bloomer for their taste that seemed healthy. I would have paid for it over shipping cost. (yes I agree it's your choice what you do with your plant, but even giving to a school seems better)

Yes failure to thrive can be health too, viruses come to mind. My current tenebrosa was a poorly thing that has come to thrive under my care, unfortunately the current flowering says there was a reason it was initially unhealthy...:( but there are places where a good flowering and growing virused plant is appreciated still.