Plants that don't thrive
 

What do you do with your plants that don't bloom or thrive? I find myself holding on to plants that are just lingering or stagnant (after working to improve their conditions of course) and they are taking up valuable real estate. But I have always felt odd about throwing away a live plant. Just wondering what others do. I am sure I will keep on feeding and watering these (mostly oncs) because I don't really want to deal with shipping them and they aren't nice enough to take to an orchid society.

Second question....I have a couple of phals that I mostly killed (they have roots but no leaves). I read somewhere that these might throw basal keikis but I'm wondering how long I should wait. They are still getting fed and watered too as long as they appear to have viable roots.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I give my non-thriving orchids to others in my Orchid Society. You never know 0 they may give you something in return....

I use to feel the same way about getting rid off plants that are not thriving in my care. That changed once space became an issue. Now the only plants that I keep in ICU are the once that I will have a hard time replacing. so I no longer keep just the roots around in hopes of a keiki, they take to long and like you said, they occupy precious real state that is need it for other plants.

I have the same problem with a couple plants (one oncidium and one phal). They're not really doing anything. Both are not in great shape, and they show very small signs of growth, but they're mostly not reviving themselves.

Anyway, I know how you feel. I definitely can't throw them out, but I also can't really give them away. I guess you could label them "rescue orchids" and try to sell them here or elsewhere, to see if anyone wants to try reviving them. . . .

If I could get to a OS meeting, I would probably trade away the ones that don't like me for ones that will! :biggrin: If you don't want to do that, you could donate it to the OS (if it's a qualified Non-profit entity*) and get a tax deduction, while ensuring the plant's probable survival in its next home. More complicated tax requisites may apply.**

Since I'm moving, it has forced my hand and I've been giving them away here for the price off shipping. Before they go, I feel torn. Once they're gone, I feel relieved! And taking the time to mail them feels better than throwing them in the trash!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I recently read that there is nothing wrong with the plant but our care for them (paraphrasing). I think genetics plays a part in 1/1000 (probably greater), so the odds are, we're at fault.

If you haven't changed your care for them, try something new. That something new can be someone new as the caretaker.

If you learned anything from growing these orchids, then I would recommend buying replacements--especially the Phalaenopsis. Those rootless plants are too stark a reminder of a failed relationship! As to waiting for keiki, as others have said, they take too long to grow into blooming plants.

Your Phals probably died due to crown rot. Crown rot occurs when water is left in the leaves and sun went down and the temperature changed. Water in the morning, dry off the water that collect in the crown of the plant. Or avoid getting the center of the plant wet.

I would shred the remains and throw them in the garden as compost. Then go to the nearest store and buy replacements!

I throw em out. Do your fellow OS members a favor and don't give them your trash. They will appreciate that in time. Plus you if you cant guarantee you dont have a virus throw it away. Everyone will thank you for that. Throw em out, be safe, orchids are cheap. :waving

Succinct and to the point.

---------- Post added at 07:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:08 AM ----------

I use the damaged ones as training aids to rescue the dying in the hope that if I ever have something worth saving, I'll know what not to do.

---------- Post added at 07:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:10 AM ----------

Good post, the only thingg I would say tho is that water in the crown per se is no threat. I deliberately wet mine down and fill the crown out of spite.. Not lost one yet that I have done this to and I have been doing it for the last year religiously.
However, as Matt says, I do NOT water like that when the orchids are too cold, and I don't water late in the day. IMO, also it is cold or heat that will damage the crown, or stress it so much that the water chills it beyond recovery.

---------- Post added at 07:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:13 AM ----------

That is so true. I will give a plant to someone IF IT IS IN GOOD ORDER, otherwise, I bin it.

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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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.

I love it, Carrie! hahahaha :rofl:

By the way, I forgot to tell you that your talk was really good. You made it very fun and I'm sure everyone loved it.

---------- Post added at 10:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 PM ----------

I will add a few words and some might be a repetition of what others have already said.

I only grow things that I can provide proper conditions for. This I think is the most important thing to have healthy plants.
But then some plants are just more vigorous and better bloomer than others even under the same good conditions.
And then there's this misfortune that can happen to some random plants, like rot and stuff. You just have no control over things like this. Living things are in constant battle with other living things that want to eat them. lol

I do not have very much patience in waiting for something that does not grow well or flower for a long time. They are simply not worth it and I have no problem letting go of them.
Fortunately, I grow what I can grow, so I rarely have this kind of problem.
When I get tired of certain plants, or I need more space for something that I want more, then easily replaceable mericlones or otherwise commonly available plants or something I just don't want anymore, will go to either trash bins or other people who want them. This is the main reason I joined the local society.

If you find joy in nursing and brining something back to life (I have done this too in the past), then that's fine, but if the condition of plants is too severe, then the recovery can take a very long time and as you say they take up precious space all the while they are recovering (and sometimes they do not recover).
Look at how many beautiful plants are out there for you to try.
It is personal choice I guess, but if you have plants that are really having a tough time, it is about time to let go and get a nice new one to start fresh.
You will forget about the old ones and have fun with the new healthy plants.
Isn't it the hobby about? enjoying, not having headache?
:)