Helpus

[amichael]

If anyone has some really good advice on how to save a Taisuco Phal Amabilis I would greatly appreciate it.. Our new boss had to travel for several days in the car with his wife's precious plant. Due to weather and harsh conditions it is looking very very sad and we are trying to help him save it before his wife moves up here. Any suggestions? The leaves are dried shrived and looking sad.. I know that this plant was taken indoors and only in the car during travel time and had vents on it. :HELP US

[Aniko]

A picture and a detailed description of the symptoms could help to make a better assessment of the plant's health.
The cold is the worst danger this time, other damages can be easily cured, but the healing process takes some time. If the roots still are OK ( green or white and firm) the chances of recovery are good
Aniko.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Your boss might want to try rehydrating the plant with higher humidity by covering the plant LOOSELY with a clear plastic baggy. With luck it may look better by the time his wife arrives, if serious damage was not done.

[Ellen]

Maybe just go out and buy her a new orchid? Our neighborhood Trader Joe's had some gorgeous Dtps Taisuco Candystripe x Phal amabilis earlier this year - pink striped "tie-dyed" flowers - for about $7.

[jerrymeola]

I am surprised that you describe so much damage from the care it received. Phals normally handle a move in this manner easily.

The plant may just be dehydrated from all the changes in air conditions.

In either event the best care for a damaged plant is to leave it alone and let nature take its course in recovery.

Even if it is dehydrated be slow to water. The roots can not take in the water right now so go easy until you see new growth. Do not fertilize at all until new leaves are 3-4 inches long. If a plant is hibernating to protect itself, fertilizer will only burn the roots not help the plant.

[amichael]

Thank you everyone for all the advice, this is going to be helpful on our mission to revive this poor plant.... One more question and as you can see I am clueless on how to get this poor plant back to being beautiful... Do we need to clip any of the shriveled stem or flowers? The leaves at the base of the plant our definetly healthy green and I know this plant can surivive with the right care...

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Since the plant is undergoing a litttle problem, I would remove the old flower spike, and not give it the opportunity to try to bloom again. Many plants in trouble try to bloom their way to salvation (going to seed before dying). Don't want the plant to do that. If the spike is not completely dried up, use a sterilized tool to cut it off.

[BillC]

You might try Daniel Barrett's revive formula. See post " Another possible victim of eBay " Bill