Would you say No to a free orchid?

[Orchidementia]

What if it looked like this? It was out of pot, sunburnt, has pleated leaves, a lot of dead roots (but some good ones, too), yellowing leaves ... it's a mess, but I felt sorry for it. I'm pretty sure it's from the Oncidium alliance, and I did rescue one I nearly killed from the same tribe, so when it was offered to me, I took it home. It's soaking now.

[articuno75]

LoL, What a find!!!

And if someone were to offer me a free orchid and I said no, I hope one of you guys slap me upside the head!

[Vivienne]

Definitely wouldn't say NO to that! Nice rescue!!

[mayres]

No brainer from my perspective - good job! Share with us what it looks like a little later after you have given it new life!

[Orchidementia]

Is it healthy enough to leave the spikes (there are two that are flowering heavily, with plenty of buds) or do I sacrifice them? Whaddya think?

[kid a]

I don't think my addiction would let me say no even if I wanted too!lol

[exasperatus2002]

Pleated leaves ment that it was underwatered during growth. My large Brassia has a few from my learning years (not that we never stop learning). Good rescue

[solay]

Lucky you. How come no one ever offers me free stuff? I might let them bloom cause I'd want to enjoy the blooms. Can't help you much since I don't have much experience. I guess if you decide to cut them, you can still enjoy them in a vase.

[articuno75]

It looks to have plenty of green roots. Do you see any new growths?

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by solay

Lucky you. How come no one ever offers me free stuff?

It helps if you ask I saw this poor thing on the floor and asked them what they did with dying plants because if they tossed them, I'd take it home.

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by articuno75

It looks to have plenty of green roots. Do you see any new growths?

I saw some pretty good looking roots, but no new growth. I removed some of the most badly damaged leaves; the ones that were already torn. It's looking better already!

[patticake]

It looks really good! Keep up the good care, and you'll be rewarded!!! Nice rescue!!!

[articuno75]

If there is lots of green roots left, I'd leave the spikes.

[brookn]

I would never turn down a free orchid. That's a beauty, it should do well for you.

[Orchidementia]

Some of the buds are opening now, and the leaves have really perked up. I hope its color improves with some sun.

[norris]

I would definitely keep that one!! In fact I have a plant similar to that one that I rescued from a friend. Mine was in very bad shape when he brought it over, now I got two new growths
I wouldn't cut the spike off of yours, the spike will naturally die back when the flowers fall, then you can cut it at the base.

[PhalPal]

I would leave the spikes and enjoy them! Your plant doesn't look that bad to me; the roots are nice and that is what counts most. Great find - and the answer is always NO until you ask, right??

[silkymoon]

Never say no, !!!!

[gore42]

YES! if....

... it has a virus or other disease.

... it has mites, thrips, or scale. Or mealies.

Otherwise, its hard to pass up a free orchid, even a NOID!

- Matt

[Vivienne]

good point Matt. And HI! Haven't seen you here for a while now!

[gore42]

Hi Vivienne! I haven't been on the web much this winter... I've had a lot to take care of at home. I'm glad to say that my orchids are doing well, though. I'll post a 3D in the orchid species section, as a matter of fact...

- Matt