Help! Broken Orchid

[fletchette]

Hi all,

I just recently bought a phalaenopsis from my local supermarket (more on a whim). It was really pretty and such.

But, it accidentally fell off the table and it snapped. I have put it back together by "grafting" it and taping it. However, the flowers are continuing to wilt. It's not showing any signs of browning, and the stem where all the flowers is still a healthy green, although it's slightly softer and not as firm to the touch as it is below the snap.

I was wondering if the orchid could be saved, and what I could do to help it along.

Thanks

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I assume that the flower spike snapped. Leave the remaining part of the spike on the plant and it may sprout new growth with new buds. You will need a bit of patience. If it doesn't sprout, then you will have another year to wait for more flowers, though occasionally plants will decide to produce a whole new spike for who knows why. Keep your fingers crossed, Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[jerrymeola]

Your flower stem sounds like it bent. Actually I have found that splinting the bend and securing it will aften allow the flowers to continue. Once they wilt thought they are done. Maybe some of the flowers will hold.

The plant itself should recover well.

[janet_a]

you could also always cut it off and put in water--they last quite a while that way but won't root or anything....

[taradale]

Originally Posted by janet_a

you could also always cut it off and put in water--they last quite a while that way but won't root or anything....

I've done that before (well actually the dogs knocked over the phal) and put the flower stem portion in a vase and they did last a good time. In addition, (and if I'm giving bad advice - please chime in ) I took a clear plastic bag and covered the whole orchid for a few days and the stem started new growth, then took the bag off and let it do what it naturally does.

I've done that three or four times and it seem to ail whatever was bothering my phals at the time, another example of an ailment is when the the buds would start drying out. Again, don't know it these were flukes and whether the plastic bag really helped. But thought I'd mention it - not an expert by any means.

[janet_a]

oh, i've got, like a half dozen in plastic baggies. got a whole little orchid ICU going on down there.

but now that it's warmer and the humidity is staying between 60-70%, i should be able to take them out.