Killer kitties

[thomaii]

Alright, I had a cat-tastraphy last night. One of my cats knocked over my Phaph. It was subsequently uprooted, some root broke off, and the bloom spike broke. Do you think she will be OK??? I reckon she will but Orchids seem so delicate and the shock so great. Any help would be much appreciated!

[fred]

I think that if you can keep your cat away from your orchid and with some TLC your orchid will be fine.

( tender loving care )

[tom499]

Losing the flower is often the worse thing that can happen from a knock over. Orchids are surprisingly hardy, and afew roots wont matter.

just get it back up, cut off damaged roots and pot it back up again as before.

shame about the flower though paphs are so beautiful.

[thomaii]

thanks guys, that makes me feel so much better!!!!

[kmarch]

thomaii,

It's your heart that has suffered the far greater shock. Your Paph will be fine. If you get a chance, take a look at Phillip Cribb's book on Paphs. It contains many pics of Paphs in-situ. You will be amazed at the rough, inhospitable looking conditions these gems grow in.

So, get it potted back up (did the roots look good and healthy..the remaining ones that is) and keep the cat away from it.

What kind of Paph was it by the way?

[flowerchild]

"Kill the Cat"(just kidding) try putting your orchid somewhere where the silly cat won't be able to harm it!!!

[thomaii]

Kevin-- thanks Ill look for that book... I am eagerly anticipating a package of choice Orchid growing books. There was a thread (or 2) about what books were good for beginners and on, I think I managed to gather all the favorites, used, for a great deal. I cant remember if that was in the mix or not. What was the title?

The leftover roots were alright. As to its genetics... I have no clue, it didn't come with a label. I posted a pic under the thread "id and care Q" I'll try and post again.

Flowerchild -- It was the darndist thing.... I had to break into my house and it happened that the window I had left open (luckily????) was where the orchids were. My cats came into my possession when they were extremely young and thus are obtusely attached and always by my side. So there I am half in a window, dangling, 3 meters above my garden and here comes Chairman Meow, in all his 5.9kg splendor, to check out the scene. The only thing I could do was blow air in his face, enhanced with a few choice expletives, and in reality I think he enjoyed it.... say la vi.

[DDS2007]

Thomaii,

I had the same experience with my Phal but it was me who caused it , it had two large spikes full of flowers and buds. i was scared to death i might lose all the flowers cuz it came out of its pot and all the potting media went out, i saw bare roots and was very afraid my Phal won't survive it . i repotted immediately and gave it a nice rainwater drink

suprisingly , two days later it opened up a new flower for me . which proves how hardy orchids are

please don't feel bad i know your paph will be just alright !