Help - resuscitation tips needed

[CCairns]

I have an orchid that I don't want to give up on but I am not sure I can save.
I bought this plant in bloom (absolutely gorgeous) and it was cheap as it was starting to fade. Once the bloom had gone i cut down the stems. The plant is in loose bark with dry wiry looking roots. It's always looked quite dry because of this and I fear I might have over watered it.
The leaves have all gone dry and brown and basically it all looks dead. Should I hold out any hope??
I'm not entirely sure what type of orchid it is. It had long, thin palm like leaves not succulent rounded glossy ones. I couldn't find any photos online of the same type of orchid so suggestions welcome. I'd recognise it if I saw it!

Thanks!

[jsehorn]

It's difficult to tell without a picture. You have to make 5 posts before you can upload photos, so make a few posts and then add a picture, and it will help us to understand your problem much better.

[CCairns]

Ok, here come a few random posts to get me up to five!

[CCairns]

and another -

[CCairns]

I really hope someone can help with my poor orchid!

[1joyceh]

Come on....almost there

[CCairns]

number 5!

[jsehorn]

Yay! Alright, let's see that picture so we can get to helping!

[CCairns]

Here is a photo...it looks bad!

[jsehorn]

Haha, it's hard to tell what that used to be, but it looks like an Oncidium, or Onc alliance hybrid. Even the pseudobulb is completely dry and brown. I'd say that this one is either impossible to save, or so far gone it's probably not worth trying. Most people kill their first orchid or few, so don't be disheartened. Get a new one, read up on cultural requirements, and give it another shot!

[1joyceh]

Well...I would take her out of the medium and look for any viable roots..if there are any....it just may be able to come back....let us know what you find CCairns

[CCairns]

This is my second orchid and I've had no problem with the first (pic attached - although it's been slow to re-bloom...Im awaiting it's third bloom.)

Any suggestions for speeding that up?

Also this one seems to be growing up and out of the pot a bit. Is that ok?

If I do want to try to save that other one - what do you recommend??

[CCairns]

With photo this time!

[1joyceh]

depending on the type, would determine what would help her bloom...orchids bloom when they are ready, I have found, it is just a matter of finding out what type of orchid it is, and giving it what it wants and needs, by looking up the culture sheets for that particular type of orchid...like light, humidity, fertilizer, and humidity...you give her a boost, so that she can bloom for you

[1joyceh]

that looks like a healthy phalaenopsis! check the culture sheets on what you can to to 'encourage' her to bloom, when her time is right.

[orchidaddict789]

The plant in the first pic looks too far gone to save. Don't be discouraged. It's a good chance to buy another one! Be sure that when you're buying a new orchid, it is healthy with nice plump bulbs (or in the case of phals, nice firm leaves) and firm roots anchored strongly into the mix.

The phal in the 2nd pic looks nice. Make sure it has enough light, and is fertilized regularly. Good luck!!

[CCairns]

Here are two pics of the roots of the first orchid posted...The root bundle was firm but after a bit of shaking out, it revealed (hard to see in pic) a few roots with new growth...(I'm assuming that's what the very fine tendrils at the end of some of the roots is).

Question is - what now??

[Dendian]

Oh my - that doesn't look good down there either. Gently tug on the roots - I have a feeling most of them will strip right off - leaving a thin center (the fine tendrils). This is not new root growth - its dead roots with just the center "transmitter" left (which cannot bring in food or water). If that's so - and you don't have any firm thick roots that do not strip off - then your plant has no good roots. Good roots are white/brown with green tips and are firm to gentle pressure (you have a flush of new roots growing on your Phal for reference). The pbulbs (the orange things) look very bad too.

If that is so I would call this one a loss - and learn more about Onc. types - and try again

[1joyceh]

Dendian is correct, I call it a learning experience....sad, but, it happens to all of us in the beginning, and along the way. always learning.
When you are looking for a new orchid, make a list of what you want first, then check out the requirements for that particular orchid, making sure you have the light, humidity, and anything else that one would need....being prepared is half the battle to be able to sit back and enjoy your new orchid.
Keep us posted on your phal, and any new orchids that happen to move in to your home

[pikkumyy]

sadly i would have to say that that one is a bit too far gone, it looks well and truly dead.

and i would agree with the others that it looks like it was an onciddium or a relation.

do you know any other way it could have died appart from over watering?

also i find the best way to learn, can be by trying again. there are some fantastic culture sheets out there on the internet, so maybe give a couple a read, then buy another
(i dont mean to be condescending in anyway) but that is how i started off. and of course if you have any questions, DONT HESITATE AT ALL to ask us here on the forum, i would go into some details on how to care for them for you now, but i really should be getting to bed, so goodnight, and good luck

[CCairns]

Thanks very much - I understand, and sadly you are right - it's only the transmitter part of the roots left. I should have joined this website earlier on and I might have had a chance to save it! Think I will pop out today for a replacement!

[1joyceh]

OOO!!! you sound like so many of us!!!
LOL...you know what we say....as soon as you get her home....post a pic!!!
Glad you joined CCairns, hope you enjoy hanging with the geeks

[pikkumyy]

Originally Posted by CCairns

Thanks very much - I understand, and sadly you are right - it's only the transmitter part of the roots left. I should have joined this website earlier on and I might have had a chance to save it! Think I will pop out today for a replacement!

WOOHOO, thats the way

[katrina]

You know...it's possible the orchid was already sick and on it's way out when purchased.

You stated it's always looked quite dry...even when you first purchased it...this leads me to believe that there's a strong chance the plant already had some issues at the root level. It's definitely possible...especially if you bought it at a big box type store.

You have done a beautiful job keeping your Phal looking good. Here's a culture sheet...give it a read and if you have any questions...just ask. http://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=204 If you've had it for more than a year...it's probably time to repot it.

[zaeem]

Only roots may not shoot a new growth I have bad experience.The phal.seems fine but please consult culture on light moisture,and watering cares.

[Carkin]

Please let us know what you replace it with!

[larryt]

At this point I would toss the orchid in a bucket of water and let it soak, if there are any live roots they should turn green.

[orchidea]

I agree with zaeem, at this point it shouldn't make any difference if it has one or two good roots or not. With most of the orchids if the leaves and PB's are gone, so as the plant........
Get yourself a healthy plant for the next one. Don't look at the flowers (well, if they are there and pretty it's just a big plus), look at the leaves and PB's and overall health of the plant. Check the roots if it's possible. If your new plant is healthy, you can always make it bloom later and feel like a star...
Your Phal looks great. You did a good job with this one!

[CCairns]

Thanks all. You geeks are great! I replaced my late orchid yesterday - pics to follow shortly.

[CCairns]

Here are the pics guys. Have to say I was attracted by the flowers but did check that leaves and roots looked good too. It's still wrapped up in its plastic but I'm away from home at the moment. It'll get unwrapped on Monday evening when I'm back. What do you think??

[1joyceh]

Nice choice!! beautiful

[pikkumyy]

ooh a very nice phal. one thing that i dont like about orchids having the plastic around them, wouldnt it severely hinder the air movement? and wouldnt that then lead to fungal problems? oh well, as i said, a very nice phal indeed

[Carkin]

VERY nice! I love the color! Great choice.