Plants I am nursing back to life. (pics)

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Nancy thought it might be interesting to see what I am nursing back to life and not giving up on. You can look at these in a larger size by clicking on the link below the picture and clicking on 'original' under the pbase picture.


Here is the Rhyncholaelia digbyana 'Mrs. Chase' AM/AOS when in bloom:

Rhyncholaelia digbyana 'Mrs. Chase' AM/AOS IMG08688 photo - Admiral Schnitz photos at pbase.com


And here is what I was able to save after the dreaded Fusarium hit. The plant is about 2" high and is in a 2" pot:

Rhyncholaelia digbyana remains of mature plant - heavy treatment for fusarium saved this piece - 2" pot IMG10620 photo - Admiral Schnitz photos at pbase.com




Here are three that may or may not live.

Here is a Cattleya aclandiae coerulea seedling (tho there is some question about the coerulea part):

Cattleya aclandiae - continuing treatment for fusarum IMG10624 photo - Admiral Schnitz photos at pbase.com

Here is a Cattleya warneri v rosea seedling:

Cattleya warneri - all leaves damage by fungal problem- treatment continuing IMG10628 photo - Admiral Schnitz photos at pbase.com

And probably the worst one, Laelia crispilabia. But note that their are 2 eyes developing at the base:

Laelia crispilabia may or may not survive fungal problem - continuing systemic fungicide treatments IMG10627 photo - Admiral Schnitz photos at pbase.com

These last three are getting a dousing of Thiophanate Methyl 3 or 4 times a week, until I see an uninfected growth mature.



Lastly, here is a success story. This Diacrium bicornutum was in worse condition at one point that the Rhyncholaelia digbyana, and is now a year or 2 from blooming:

Diacrium bicornutum recovering from fungal problem after near extinction IMG10623 photo - Admiral Schnitz photos at pbase.com

[digitalgate]

yah, another Jedi master in the making , he he

[joan gero]

Cynthia, your "before" pictures look really familiar to me! I have -- or have had -- LOTS of assorted versions of those!

But your successful outcome/s and your sophisticated methods of treatment are very instructive and encouraging. Thanks for this posting!

[slippery_biscuit]

Good luck with those projects. Hope you are rewarded down the road with nice looking blooms.

BTW.. what's with the gloves? Is that a type of sterile technique? Surely it isn't that cold??

[Tobi]

Cynthia,
Good luck with them. I noticed a pic of Den. gonzalesii in what I assume is your collection. I have one that is mounted on bark that I can't get to bloom. Mist daily
during the warmer months, no fertilizer after Sept. The prev. canes from last years
growth have lost their leaves (which I assume is normal). Now in the winter, I mist
every other day and soak the bark once a week. It is in a south filtered window with
lots of light. The nodes on one of the canes is somewhat swollen. I thought that this
species blooms in the fall? Any suggestions?
Thanks

[Nancy]

Thank you Cnthia. Sometimes we forget that growing orchids is a learning process and that we all have setbacks from time to time. That Fusarium wilt must have been so devastating to deal with, but but you were able to take the survivors and give them a fighting chance. We all will benefit from your inspiration. Thanks for posting.

[rmt135]

Thanks Cynthia for sharing. Your dedication & enthusiasm hopefully will be an example to others to follow. We keep this orchid not only when they are well, blooming but also when they are sick.

Well done.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I have had so many problems with the neem oil and so many plants have succumb to Fusarium, that I am now beginning to wonder if the rather exaggerated problem with the Fusarium may have been fostered by the stress induced by the neem. I am hoping this is the case, and that I will have a greatly reduce Fusarium pressure in the future. I certainly will never use neem again.

Slippery_B asked about the gloves. I am avoiding vitamin D. Lots of light in the GH. If you're curiosity is up, google on the Marshall Protocol.

[evagentry]

thanks from me also Cynthia, it really helps to see that even those who have been growing a long time have problems, but that with perservirance it can be turned around.