I did have one that was coming back from the brink. When I got this cattleya, it had no roots, and was horribly dehydrated. It's new growths would continuously blacken and die off (rot I think or dehydration, not from sunburn). I finally mounted it to see if it would help. After a month, it started showing some positive resutls...two new growths were hanging on, and developing a lot of roots and getting beigger, and the leaves filled out and weren't so wrinkly. I was soooooo happy! Unfortunately...I was watering it the other day...and left it uot on my balcony by accident. 95 degrees that day, heaps of sun, and I was off on a four hour shopping trip. All the leaves are black now. The larger new growth is toast. The other new growth has black areas. I'm hoping it holds on. So...if this plant pulls through, it will be brought back from the brink TWICE! I sure hope so. I was sooooo distraught when I found it outside in the sun and heat. :'(
I do have another goood story though. I had a phal on the brink...NO roots, very limp leaves. Well...it FINALLY started a new leaf about a week and a half ago, and has two little roots starting. SO happy.
Makes me feel competent, too.
Actually, much of my collection is from the brink. I purchased a "lot" from e-bay, 13 or so plants for 30 bucks. Owner had to get rid of them because his greenhouse had flood damage. Many were suffering...but now, those that didn't die off, are all doing quite well! Let's see...I've got 9 of them. 1 is the one I first talked about, and all the rest are great...except one, which still ahs no roots. I'm not sure how it is still alive after a year.
Yes, it does feel good to brag a little about the survivals!