Paph. moquettianum sp Isn't Growing

[John D.]

You might try creating a higher humidty microclimate around the plant by putting a ziplock bag over the plant and about half way down the pot,leave the bottom open. It will keep the humidity up so the plant won't lose water as fast (especially important if the roots are not good) also provide a little extra shade. Also look for mites.

[Judi]

Thanks everyone! I will try a repot this weekend, hopefully I will have roots to take pictures of. Then I will use tap water with fertalizer and the ziplock bag seems like a great idea for keeping the humidity at a higher level.

[Judi]

Louise, unfortunately there is only one root There were hardly any roots when I got it, so I'm not overly surprized. 2 other roots were rotted. So I am attaching a picture before and after repotting. I punched holes in a small fruit container and used paph mix. It looks really wet, but that's because I just repotted in soaked media. I will make sure I don't overwater, use tap water, and use a plastic bag over the top for humidity. Hopefully it isn't too late, but if it is at least I tried my best. Only time will tell!

[dounoharm]

you are doing everything right and if you fail, its just because it was too weak a plant....dont despair, just try again!

[smartie2000]

pot it up in a finer medium and it should put out some new roots out this spring. Fine fir bark that has been soaked at least over night, or try sphagnum moss. Sphag helps regenerate roots, but I avoid it as a permanent medium

While nursing this back to health, get yourself another plant to keep yourself occupied! This one will take some patience

[Judi]

Thanks for the encouragement, with luck it can make it. I once had a Den that lost all its roots but I planted the stick in sphag. Everyone laughed at me so after months I decided I might as well toss it. As it hit my compost bin it flopped over and there was a tiny new green growth not visable from the top. So I brought it back in, repotted, and it is growing like crazy now! So there's hope. But Fren, I really like your idea of getting a new chid. My favorite nursery is having an orchid show and sale tomorrow, so this is the perfect excuse for heading over there first think in the morning!