Reviving a near-dead orchid

[VTladyslipper]

Hello, I'm new here.

Although I have absolutely no experience with growing orchids, I am completely taken aback when I see them, expecially the ladyslipper that visited a patch of our wild garden for a few years, even producing an offspring, but both sadly disappeared. She was so beautiful!

Some background here about my track record with indoor houseplants... After repeated attempts to emulate my mother's green thumb, I found the routine of watering & feeding indoor plants to be just that one thing that was beyond my daily coping skills. So years ago, I completely got rid of all my indoor plants. When my mom visits she always asks where are my houseplants, and I always respond by pointing out the window - we live on ten acres of Vermont woods with many perenniel gardens.

Anyway, a few years ago, my daughter received an orchid as a gift from a family member. Due to our watering/care nonhabits, the poor thing withered away to a dead stalk with 3 green leaves at the top. It stayed that way about 2-3 years until about 2 weeks ago I finally decided to stop clinging to it (because it had been a gift) and (sob) throw it away.

Much to my surprise, when I lifted it from the pot, I noticed a tiny new-green sprout coming out of the roots next to the dead stalk!! Well, I just had to see if I could revive the whole plant.

I relied on my common sense from perenniel gardening and trimmed obviously dead material from the plant and am now soaking it in just plain water refreshed typically every 1-3 days with fresh warm water. So far there has been a small amount of further growth of that little sprout. I am so excited!!

Of course I know I am totally out of my league when it comes to orchids, so I need advice on what to do from here.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[FLaCo]

What type of orchid is it? Do you know? If not take a picture and after 5 posts on this forum you can post it. Where is the orchid now? I hope that is tepid water that you are using.

Your best and easiest bet is to buy a a clay pot that will fit the plant...not too big either. Then go ahead and buy some orchid mix not just bark a mix. After making sure you got of the rotting roots out...transplant it into the pot and add the mix. Place it on a west or east window making sure it doesn't get DIRECT sunburn light.

Although this is vague elaboration...it is basic and safe. Your best bet though is to update your User CP with you location ( i noticed you said Vermont) and tell us the type of orchid.

[jay]

First of all, Hello and welcome to the forum.

Second, for to be able to help we really need to know what type of orchid you are dealing with. It would also help to know where you are keeping it, window sill, counter top? Pictures help even more, and if you need some extra posts first, just reply to this one a few times.

[VTladyslipper]

I'm sorry, but I don't know what type of orchid it is. My daughter remembers its color as being fuschia with a hint of purple. But this memory goes back years... I am amazed that this plant seems to be still trying to live with no attention for so long.

It currently is in a small bowl of (yes, tepid) water on a windowsill facing west. Would you like a picture of what it looks like right now? For current status info, I mean.

Thanks

[Ellen]

Whatever it is, soaking it in water will probably be the final step that will euthanize the poor thing.

[Vivienne]

Yes yes yes - we need a pic of it asap if we want to revive this plant. Sitting in water could be the final blow.

[VTladyslipper]

Thanks Vivienne! I'll post a pic as soon as I can

[VTladyslipper]

coming soon...

[VTladyslipper]

... as soon as I've got my 5 posts!

[VTladyslipper]

here it is

[jay]

That could be a Dendrobium, and it appears by the looks of the leaves, canes, and new growth to be healthy. I can't see the roots from the picture though.

Do you have a pot and bark for it?

[kip]

looks like a dendrobium of some sort. keep it out of the water, you'll drown it. you want to keep it well watered, and preferably in a humid environment, but the roots need air. you can plant it in moss, it keeps moisture well, but still allows the roots to breathe.

[FLaCo]

The guys alright...it must be out of the water. I thought you meant that you watered it every 1-3. I didn't see a problem with that. So a pot and a bark mix...from your local garden store.

[VTladyslipper]

Thanks everyone!!
I'm so glad I asked for your help.

Here's what I'll do: tomorrow I'll take the plant with me to my local Agway garden ctr, purchase pot and bark and have them show me how to plant it right there.

Then I'll give it to my sister, who has quite a collection of orchids so will certainly know how to care for it. Knowing my track record with houseplants, I think that's the most humane longterm solution (she has all my old houseplants too!).

Thanks again!

[kmarch]

While you're at the garden centre, ask if they have/look for the book Ortho's All about Orchids. It's probably the best beginner's book I know. I still go back to it after 10+ years of growing. It has a very helpful section on potting with lots of pictures. And it's cheap too, only about $15 or so.