Thread: orchid rehab
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Old 09-16-2007, 11:12 AM
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Caroline,

From what I can see of your orchid it looks to be a Phalaenopsis. Go to www.aos.org and download their free culture sheet n how to grow Phalaenopsis (Phals).

The plant really needs to be removed form this horrible looking mix and the glass with no drainage. Orchids must have good drainage or they fall victim to root rot. Get some good mix, a commercial mix for Phalaenopsis will probably be ok, and a plastic or clay pot, it looks like a 3-4-inch pot will do, get one just large enough to comfortably hold the roots.

Water the orchid good, and let it sit for a few minutes so the roots (if there are any) will soak up some moisture. Pull the plant out of the pot. Healthy roots are crisp and white-ish. Dead roots are grey or black and mushy. Cut off all dead roots. If there are good roots, pot the orchid in the mix you've bought (and soaked overnight) in the plastic or clay pot.

If you have no good roots left, look up the "Sphag and Bag" method (found on this forum) of nursing a rootless orchid back to health.

Let us know if you have questions.

Good luck!
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