can this orchid survive?

[nephthyswa]

Just yesterday bought an orchid (I think it's a miltonia but it doesn't say) really cheap for only 50p because it was bent horizontal from the base. Many of the roots were forced up and out, some have snapped and many are dead. A lot of the outer leaves have snapped off and on the 3 flower stems there are many buds but none have opened, they are all wilting and some of the buds are going brown on 2 of the stems. Also, there is an unpleasant smell coming from the soil and the flower buds- is that the roots rotting or something? I have staked the plant upright but am now not sure what to do to help it survive. Should I just give up? I'm not bothered about it flowering, I just want it to live. Any suggestions?

[machiela]

I would de[pot it, wash it well & repot. I think it has a chance

[jerrymeola]

I would take the plant out of the pot remove all the growing medium from the roots and start over.

If it is a Miltonia or any oncidium alliance orchid (long thin leaves) the roots will be thin and plentiful. A healthy plant can totally fill a pot. Chose a growing medium appropriate to the plant and your watering habit. You might want to stay with the type of medium in which it was growing.

Sphagnum moss is a common commercial medium, but is easy to over water if you have a heavy hand when watering. Small bark is another choice. Large bark has too much air space and does not leave enough roots touching the bark. Hydroponic rock is another choice but if you are not familiar with using it an oncidium alliance orchid is not the type for your first attempt.

You can pot in plastic (reuse the same pot) or clay (you do not need slit cut orchid pots for oncidium types). Clay draws water out of the medium and is watered more often. Chose the type that is best for your watering habits.

Since you have a smell remove all the old medium wash it well. If you go with bark (I like 1/4 to 1/2 inch size bark) you can add a little small charcoal to the mix. It will help remove odors and is good for the mix as well.

You can remove the flower stems if you want to conserve energy but I do not think it is critical if you want to try to save a few flowers.

You are lucky in one respect in that the plant is not suffering from rot. Damaged plants were strong before they were damaged and recover quite well.

Do not be concerned about the leaves that were damaged. In fact, you will probably lose all the leaves on the plant over the next year. As long as the plant starts new growth it will be fine. A damaged plant will often grow fast and as soon as it does not need the old leaves it discards them.

The roots have been damaged and dried out. If you have access to a rooting hormone solution like SuperThrive, I would soak it for several hours before re-potting. If not soak it for an hour in a weak fertilizer solution (about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per gallon) with a little sugar mixed in. After it is re-potted be very conservative with watering. The roots may not be able to take in much water and normal watering may be too much. Go slowly.

Your chances of saving this plant are quite good. I damage several a week moving orchids to and from shows. Several will look just like you describe, and I can not afford to lose them. If re-potted soon they grow like nothing has happened. If left dry too long they hibernate and need time to begin growing again.

Again be conservative in care and watering after re-potting. It will do best ignored and do not be concerned that nothing seems to be happening for weeks. It needs time to recover.

[nephthyswa]

wow thanks jerry, you're such a helpful person!