Made every mistake possible. Looking for help.

[MackinzieQuinn]

Please go easy on me. Upon research, I realized I may have committed all the mortal sins of orchid care and I’m looking for advice. I purchased this orchid on clearance last year. I will admit, it was a little neglected part of the winter. When I learned my husband had been watering it everyday because he thought I wasn’t, I decided to check the roots out. I took it out of the bark medium it came in and went to work. I cut off anything that was brown, or black in the plant, even if it was firm. (I know not to do this now). I also but it back in the same medium!! (I know this is bad now too). By some miracle the plant must have liked what I did, as it put out a new leaf and a new stem. This is where I mess up more. I realized, once again, it was overwatered. Water was sitting at the bottom of the pot and little white mushrooms were beginning to grow. So, I bought new orchid medium, trimmed MORE possibly healthy roots off, and repotted. A few days later I did research and realized I buried it too deep, and covered the aerial roots and part of the crown. I repotted again cutting off a few more roots!!! I then put it in hot direct sunlight , for a few days, thinking it needed more sun! I thought it got sunburnt, so I returned it to the spot where it used to thrive. When researching, it says dark green leaves mean not enough sun?? Also, should I cut the new stem so the plant can focus on repairing the root trauma I have caused? I’m just looking for advice to bring her back to health. The roots that I can see look great though. Should I cut vent holes in the side of the pot, there are drainage holes on the bottom?

[DirtyCoconuts]

welcome.

the only SIN is to give up

1- you are correct in that you are doing too much
2- you need drainage holes at least, are there holes on the bottom of this pot?

you can adapt your watering to keep it moist but not ever soaked and then it should recover well.

Im on my phone so i cant see the pics but is the top (crown) of the plant still healthy and growing?

[MackinzieQuinn]

Thank you for being so kind!

There are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, yes.

The last transplant and root cutting was just a couple days ago, so I’m not sure if the crown is still growing. The tiny new leaf at the top still looks in alright condition.

When you say keep it moist, should I let it dry out in between watering, or literally keep it moist?

[rbarata]

Repot again with medium-large bark mixed with some inert materials like LECA (cork chips will do the trick too).
Put the plant in a pot smaller than the one in the photo with holes for drainage. Then put the plant in a warm location away from direct sunlight.
Don't cut any roots.

When you say keep it moist, should I let it dry out in between watering, or literally keep it moist?

With the medium I sugested and a smaller pot, water once a week. Make sure the excess water runs down the holes.

[estación seca]

Welcome!

There is a thread here about learning to grow Phals. From the yellow left menu select Forums then Beginners. Click on the sticky thread The Phal abuse stops here.

If you had a sick tomato plant, would you dig it up and cut off the roots?

[MackinzieQuinn]

Originally Posted by rbarata

Repot again with medium-large bark mixed with some inert materials like LECA (cork chips will do the trick too).
Put the plant in a pot smaller than the one in the photo with holes for drainage. Then put the plant in a warm location away from direct sunlight.
Don't cut any roots.

I have an orchid mix by fertilome. It says it has canadian sphagnum peat moss chunks, orchid bark, hardwood charcoal and lava rock. Is that ok?

Should I leave the new stem that is growing?

And lastly, just curious why a smaller pot? I’ll do it, I’m just trying to learn. The roots aren’t long, but they do line the outside of the pot it’s currently in. I’m not sure I could squeeze them into a smaller pot.

---------- Post added at 10:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 AM ----------

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome!

There is a thread here about learning to grow Phals. From the yellow left menu select Forums then Beginners. Click on the sticky thread The Phal abuse stops here.

If you had a sick tomato plant, would you dig it up and cut off the roots?

Yes, I have since done a lot of research, so I don’t abuse it any further. I’m just curious how to fix this mistake from here.

The reason I kept cutting the roots was misinformation. I thought all the black/brown roots were rotting and needed to go, otherwise the whole plant would rot. I now know, this is not the case. Just an explanation for why I kept assaulting it’s roots. I had good intentions, just very very wrong information.

[rbarata]

I have an orchid mix by fertilome. It says it has canadian sphagnum peat moss chunks, orchid bark, hardwood charcoal and lava rock. Is that ok?

Should I leave the new stem that is growing?

And lastly, just curious why a smaller pot? I’ll do it, I’m just trying to learn. The roots aren’t long, but they do line the outside of the pot it’s currently in. I’m not sure I could squeeze them into a smaller pot

I think that mix is ok. Leave the stem if it's green. If not, cut it.
The smaller pot is because in larger pots the medium doesn't dry out. especially at the center of the pot. This creates stagnant water pockets that can cause rot. Roots need to have access to air and water pockets doesn't allow it to circulate.

[MackinzieQuinn]

Originally Posted by rbarata

I think that mix is ok. Leave the stem if it's green. If not, cut it.
The smaller pot is because in larger pots the medium doesn't dry out. especially at the center of the pot. This creates stagnant water pockets that can cause rot. Roots need to have access to air and water pockets doesn't allow it to circulate.

Ok, that makes sense. The pot it is currently in is 4.5 inches, what size of pot do you suggest? I’m sorry for all the questions.

Also the stem is green and purple. It is not brown and appears healthy, I think?

[rbarata]

Use the next lower size for the pot.
That stem is alive, so don't cut it as it contributes to photosynthesis.

[WaterWitchin]

Personally, I would just leave it as is, and not repot yet again. I think the size of the pot is fine, plus you can see one of the green roots at the side, so that's a good thing. The medium it's in also looks fine. Keep it away from direct sunlight. Put it under a faucet once a week and water it very thoroughly. When you're finished, feel the weight/heft of the pot. Then watch the green root... when it starts to lose the green and turn silvery, lift the pot, feel the difference in weight, then water again. Repeat, adjusting as necessary for your particular environment (heat, humidity, etc).

It looks remarkably good for what it's been through. That's a healthy looking plant that just needs to quit getting haircuts and soggy baths.

PS And when you water, don't get water in the crown of the plant. If you do, use the end of a paper towel or Qtip to lift out most of the water. The new leaf also looks very promising.