Hold The Laughter...please

[sandra]

I plead total ignorance so I'm beating you all to it. After you've looked at these photos and read my question, you may tell me I'm as hopeless as this plant but here goes. Do I have a snowballs chance in hell with this plant? I treated it with the Barrets(?) solution that Bill told me about and then put it in a plastic bag with the sphag. but I think I'm just taking up room. This was the first orchid I ever purchased and it was in trouble even then. I've now cut back the roots as far as I safely could and what's left is still more rotted root. Also, identification would be appreciated.....after you've stopped laughing!

[prisana]

Hi Sandra, The only photo I see in your post is your avatar..so I'm not laughing , yet.

[PhalPal]

Sandra - are you really just looking for reassurance because you really do want to toss it but won't because you will feel really guilty??
I don't grow this type of orchid but it still looks like it has a chance to me, but the other side is that you could be spending your time, space and resources on a plant with more payback.

I didn't laugh at ALL, either!

[prisana]

Hi Sandra, That was weird..there were no photos when I was looking at it earlier..unless you edited it . Maybe I need to get some sleep.
I have so many catts and I do admit that some of them did look like that at one time or another, but they all grew roots after a lot of TLC, and I mean "a lot "
I'm not familiar with Dan's orchid reviving potion, but I think some of the geeks did and had good results, then again I don't know what kind of shape they were in before being exposed to the solution. I stuck mine in a big jar with moist sphag and sealed it. Kept it out of any strong light and a few weeks later I'd see new roots. You can even mount it on a tree where it doesn't get too much light and water it with superthrive solution everytime you water . Depending on how much effort you want to put into it, these methods are easiest and most effective for me.
Your plant looks salvagable , lots of orchids do bounce back even with no roots at all..I've seen it happen. Good luck.

[fred]

well my opinion sandra as i can see with the pics there is a new root forming and I would do my best to save the plant
.

My advice would be to place the plant back into spagh because its saveable.

good luck..

I am not laughing either.

[Sharyn]

Sandra: It looks like a cattleya type to me. Also appears you still have roots - can't tell how many from the pic. Could be wrong, but looks like you can repot it and hold it in the pot with a rhyzome clip until the roots anchor. It's hard to tell from the pic how many roots you have - if not many, I'd put back in the bag and wait it out. What do you have to lose?

[Anton]

Have you tried soaking it in liquid rooting hormone stuff ?

Maybe if you give it a soak it will absorb the root growth hormone stuff PLUS absorb some moisture to help itself along. Hey, what have you got to lose ?

If it succeeds you gain a plant and the experience, if it don't, THEN we'll all laugh at you. Just jokin'

By reporting on what you are doing and the results, good or bad, it also helps us learn as well. It's like my poor Phal, I put rooting powder on it after it lost it's roots to root rot and it started growing new root buds, then the b****y thing decided to go down hill.

At present it has ONE leaf, and I am trying everything for it to succeed, but if it doesn't then it is one I put down to experience. Hopefully not.

Stick with it until it finally gives up, while there's life, there's hope.

[kmarch]

Sandra,

Your plant is a Cattleya of some kind. Cattleyas are very tough plants. They can be neglected to the brink of oblivion and still come back. I have one that had Bosduval (sp?) scale really bad and almost lost it but it is now on the rebound and growing larger growths.

Eventhough the plant is dehydrated I believe it can come back strong. I would pot it up in a fairly small pot using whatever mix you regularly use for your Cattleyas. Get a copule of plant stakes and a couple of rhizome clips. Rhizome clips are heavy wire clips that have a bent bit at one end for clipping onto the edge of a pot and a straingt end that reaches over the rhizome of the plant holding it in place.

What we're going to do here is use the stakes and clips to secure the plant in the pot so it doesn't wobble around. I find that roots grow better if the plant is somewhat anchored and doesn't move about. So, start by filling the pot nearly to the top with mix and pack it down a little. Put the 2 plant stakes in the pot, all the way to the bottom. Space the stakes so they are as far apart from one another as the 2 pseudobulbs on each end of the plant. Put the plant in the pot and and secure the bulb on each end to the stakes. Add a little more mix so that it comes up to the rhizome and pack it down a little. Clip the plant into place using the 2 rhizome clips going in opposite directions.

Put the plant in a medium light area, moderate temps with good humidity. Keep the mix lightly moist, not soggy. There are no roots in the mix of course but when the plant starts to grow its new roots you want them to go down into the pot to anchor the plant. If you had a large clear plastic baggie you could put it over the plant to help with the humidity but if you have good humidity (30-50%) don't bother.

It may take a little while (maybe even a copule of months) for the plant to start to grow roots and it may grow a small stunted new growth first. Just be patient it will eventually start to pick up speed. Leave all the slips and stakes in place until the plant is once again established (which may take 2 or 3 seasons/years). It will probably be this long before you get any blooms again too.

So, if the plant is dear enough to you to expend the time and energy and patience, then go for it. If not.....the compost bin will welcome it with open arms.

Cheers

[DDS2007]

never lose hope on a plant unless it's absolutely GONE,

nothing to laugh about sandra, we're all here to learn

good luck and keep us posted

[tom499]

Its trying to save plants in these conditions that you really learn to become a good grower

Do not give up until every patch of green is gone. kmarch has given the perfect recipe for bringing it back, i will be copying and pasting that into a word doc. for later use

I can say from experience that rootless plants will grow on, i have a phal that looks like its been dragged through the desert, then the swamp, then a fire, then stuck in a pot. But my gosh its still trying to grow with 3 stump roots

[BillC]

Sandra, after all that has gone before I can only offer sympathy. Just keep in there swinging the bat; we all hope it will get well soon. Stay cool.

[chefatplay]

Bill, nice new avatar! You've changed some since the sarong days!

[sandra]

Bill, drinking coffee is all I'm able to do so early in the a.m., let alone process information. I noticed your avatar and thought, "did I change my name to Bill? This elevator doesn't go all the way to the top this early in the a.m., what can I say? I then began reading other's posts and then.......IT HIT ME!!!!!!!! This is a big fat LOL Bill.

You must have seen my very short lived avatar that I recently had up that Anton will probably never let me live down...... If you haven't, just ask him to have a look. He carries this picture in his wallet now whereever he goes. He even keeps it under his pillow and don't believe him if he tells you otherwise.

No caffiene needed here this morning! Thank you for the flattery even if I am blushing here......

[fred]

good thing Bill took off them dog tags

sandra I still see the same Avator its hard to see you in the tree as the sun is going down.

[chefatplay]

Sandra, or is it BillC, good luck with your challenged orchid. I'm having tea now. Good morning!

[sandra]

Originally Posted by chefatplay

Sandra, or is it BillC, good luck with your challenged orchid. I'm having tea now. Good morning!

Yes Ellen, I'm confused here too. Forget the coffee! I need a drink now! Good morning to you too. Enjoy your tea.

That's right, I forgot......this thread was about my poor, sick orchid!

[chefatplay]

Poor, poor orchid. Thank heavens it has a good mom to take care of it when it's sick. And talk about orchid doctors, we have a wealth of them, don't we? Boy are we lucky. Well, on to work for me. Talk with you all later this evening. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE

BillC, even though you are beautiful in your new avatar, I don't think the Mother's day thing applies to you!

[Vivienne]

BillC your avatar threw me too. I was reading and thinking, Bill? Sandra? Wait, go back to look again... I need more coffee... too early. LOL

[sandra]

Originally Posted by fred

good thing Bill took off them dog tags

sandra I still see the same Avator its hard to see you in the tree as the sun is going down.

OK Fred, lesson #1 - TREE EQUALS TREE and nothing else but a tree!!!!! If it stands like a tree, and looks like a tree, it's a tree. I'd love to see the results of your ink-blot test!

[Anton]

SANDRA !

Moi ??????

Bill, you're a sick puppy.

Bring back the coconut palm I say ! sigh

[fred]

ink-blot tests

they all look like trees with legs

[fred]

sandra how many copy,s would you like

I have an 8 x 10 you can use nice pic toooooooo

[Anton]

I am a GENTLEMAN and wouldn't think of doing a thing like that.

I was asked by a nice lady to delete them, and I am a man of my word.

[sandra]

Sorry Anton, I'm not reading a word you've written here. I'm still crying with laughter over this latest avatar of yours. Tears are still running down my face right now....I haven't stopped laughing. You'll never be able to top this one. You're a handful, you monkey, you.

If they only knew.........................

Originally Posted by Anton

I am a GENTLEMAN and wouldn't think of doing a thing like that.

I was asked by a nice lady to delete them, and I am a man of my word.

[DDS2007]

Great new avator , Anton !

i laughed till tears got out of my eyes BILL!!

[fred]

Anton a gentleman

Nice avator mate I had a good chuckle when I saw that one

[BillC]

Glad I could bring some smiles into the day for some of the inhabitants of the globe. Specially for the lady with the ailing plant.

When my daughter was about 3yo she heard her Mom and I discussing something and joined in. I told her that she couldn't know anything about the situation because she had not yet been born. She replied, " I do know, because I peeped out of my rose ". Having seen Anton's new avatar I now know where little boys come from. Very nice Anton, I wonder does everyone recognize the skill involved in producing such a pic? Bill

[sandra]

Bill, thanks for the laughter. Was hoping to catch you earlier when I first saw your surprise. Had a lot of fun with this, thanks to you!

What a sweet little story about your daughter. Loved it.

Yes Bill, that's where little boys come from BUT where did Anton come from? That's the big question here.

Originally Posted by BillC

Glad I could bring some smiles into the day for some of the inhabitants of the globe. Specially for the lady with the ailing plant.

When my daughter was about 3yo she heard her Mom and I discussing something and joined in. I told her that she couldn't know anything about the situation because she had not yet been born. She replied, " I do know, because I peeped out of my rose ". Having seen Anton's new avatar I now know where little boys come from. Very nice Anton, I wonder does everyone recognize the skill involved in producing such a pic? Bill

[sandra]

OK, time to get serious and seriously thank everyone's input here regarding my sick plant. Kevin, I'm going out today to get those clips and a more suitable sized pot for it. Will follow your instructions, exactly and then give it some TLC and hope for the best.

Sorry to have gotten so off track here but that's Bill's and Anton's fault!!!!!

[fred]

please keep us updated sandra with how the plant goes.

I hope it grows well for you.

oh i almost forgot Anton is NOT Tasmanian so dont blame me

[Sharyn]

Sandra: This is a pic of my little cattleya in the sphag & bag. It's been about 3 months and you can now see the new growth (left side). It'll be awhile until it develops and forms enough roots to plant in a pot. Follow kmarch's post above. I picked up a few pointers from it myself.

Be patient. It's going to take a long time - maybe a bit faster for you with your warm weather. While you're waiting, go buy another orchid to enjoy. It will help to ease the wait.

[kmarch]

Anton,

Your avatars continue to crack me up. Maybe we should start another award, a "Wacky-Fun Avatar of the Month" award. Your monkey with bunny ears remains one of my favorites.

[fred]

now thats a good idea Kevin

I will look into that one

[Sharyn]

Kevin: The bunny ears were my favorite too. This one takes the cake! Wonder what's next?

Fred: I doubt there's much competition for the Wackiest Person of the Month - we all know who holds the "Title."

[fred]

I am going bananas here

[sandra]

One moment of composure here and then we silly children can go back to playing.

Kevin, I did as you told me, minus the stakes. The clips are holding the plant very firmly in the pot so I see no need for anything additional. It's not planted deep in the medium but nevertheless, very secure. As for humidity, I'm in Fla., we're just beginning the summer (which will last through October) and it's been averaging 78% so far. I'll get back to you on this in 2 to 3 years to let you know how it's done.

[sandra]

Sharyn, I saw your photo of your cattleya and read your post which is why I thought all hope was not lost on mine. There are absolutely no healthy roots on mine yet but until it all turns yellow, I'm in this for the long haul. Thanks for your advice here. I've now done what kmarch has instructed so it's 'wait and see.'

Originally Posted by Sharyn

While you're waiting, go buy another orchid to enjoy. It will help to ease the wait.

This is going to be a grueling week ahead for me but I'm going to try and take your advice here.

Thanks again...

[chefatplay]

Sandra, your repotting effort is nothing short of beautiful. I'm sure your orchid will respond to your loving efforts.

[Lucinda Brown]

Has anyone heard of rooting gel?I found out about it on the 'net' and purchased some for some of my ailing 'babies'.That I'd either overwatered or neglected in my 'newbie' beginnings.You can dip the base of the plant in it,then I let it dry on it awhile and repot.It has helped me save several almost 'no root's left' plants.Good stuff!

[Anton]

I have both gel and powder.

I put some powder on keikis from my Den kingianum and after a week they are producing roots quite nicely and really growing quicker that I have achieved before.

[kmarch]

It looks good! I bet you could see growth or a root in as little as a couple of months, especially since this will be the growing season for you. And yep if the clips hold well enough no stakes necessary. Keep us posted on your progress.

Cheers!

Originally Posted by sandra4453

One moment of composure here and then we silly children can go back to playing.

Kevin, I did as you told me, minus the stakes. The clips are holding the plant very firmly in the pot so I see no need for anything additional. It's not planted deep in the medium but nevertheless, very secure. As for humidity, I'm in Fla., we're just beginning the summer (which will last through October) and it's been averaging 78% so far. I'll get back to you on this in 2 to 3 years to let you know how it's done.

[sandra]

Kevin and Fellow Geeks,

Do you remember this one thread, the one in a million you've read and gave me direction on?

Three weeks later and look at the progress this plant is making! You mentioned, encouragingly that I'd probably see growth in a couple of months. Well, looky here! I LOVE IT!!!

[kmarch]

<<BIG SMILE>> Well done! That's exactly what we wanted to see, nice roots wiht healthy growing green tips. How are you watering it presently?

[fred]

nice to see sandra
also its nice to see that the advice that you got from the forum has helpt you.

A top result all round.

[sandra]

Originally Posted by kmarch

<<BIG SMILE>> Well done! That's exactly what we wanted to see, nice roots wiht healthy growing green tips. How are you watering it presently?

Generous watering once a week. Misting with worm tea daily but not heavily. It's HOT here in Fla. now. High humidity as well and the air is getting very thick and still. Have to move some fans to the patio soon.

I am so proud of myself Kevin and I have you to thank so, THANK YOU.

[fred]

proud as punch

way to go sandy

now you know how i feel when i saw the orchid

[brookn]

Pat yourself on the back you did great!

[chefatplay]

The woman with the golden touch, well done Sandra!

[PhalPal]

I may be weird here, but I get as big a kick out of getting new roots and leaves as the flower spikes! I love the cycle of orchids lives and how visual this cycle is to the grower. Altho...there really is Nothing like getting a stubborn plant to bloom!! Especially one that was nursed back to health!

[janet_a]

ooh nice roots!

[sandra]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

I may be weird here, but I get as big a kick out of getting new roots and leaves as the flower spikes! I love the cycle of orchids lives and how visual this cycle is to the grower. Altho...there really is Nothing like getting a stubborn plant to bloom!! Especially one that was nursed back to health!

My sentiments exactly PhalPal. I used to think that orchids were ugly when not in bloom and remember wondering why people went to great lengths for them. I see this all so differently now. I'm amazed and enthralled by the changes constantly taking place with these plants and what a reward it is when new growth, new roots occur because I gave it what it needed which, I'm finding out also means...very little sometimes! That's the hard part for me because I'm a nurturer with my plants and tend to overdo instead of just letting it be.

I take great pride in their progress.

[prisana]

Originally Posted by sandra

My sentiments exactly PhalPal. I used to think that orchids were ugly when not in bloom and remember wondering why people went to great lengths for them. I see this all so differently now. I'm amazed and enthralled by the changes constantly taking place with these plants and what a reward it is when new growth, new roots occur because I gave it what it needed which, I'm finding out also means...very little sometimes! That's the hard part for me because I'm a nurturer with my plants and tend to overdo instead of just letting it be.

I take great pride in their progress.

Ditto with both of you here...Sandra, good job mommy. That orchid couldn't look happier. You great nurturer you.

[fred]

sandra you are getting to smart

I think you need to see the orchid doctor.


the love of orchids simply awesome

[Vivienne]

Sandra - applause applause. You've done great!

You have also given all the 'rescuers' here some hope.

[sandra]

Could this be what I think it is, a new lead, stalk, whatever you call it (just above the new root)?

[Vivienne]

Holy Molasses! That is so awesome Sandra!! Good job! And it looks like another root bump in the front as well.

[fred]

good growing sandra

congrats with the new growth

are we happy or what

you bet