Please help - Orchid Board

iceicebaby · #1 07-19-2009, 12:18 PM

Hi this orchid of mine looks shriveled and dehydrated.
it has some dead roots and some growing ones.
I had put it one a humidity tray.I mist it once daily and water it once a week but not much change since last one month.
it is important to mention that a month back it was really hot and dry in my part of India.
How can its condition improve.

Dev

Ray · #2 07-19-2009, 12:42 PM

Repot it into fresh, airy potting medium.
Water it thoroughly, but let it get mostly dry between waterings.
Forget the humidity tray; you are trying to humidify the globe (see this: Evaporation) If the humidity tray was keeping the medium wet, and it was old and decomposing (which is what it looks like), it may have suffocated the roots. Misting is likely equally useless.
Keep the plant warm, fairly shady, and somehow enclose it to boost the localized humidity, and it should grow new roots shortly.

That's a pretty substantial "colony", so has plenty of resources to draw on, so while you may lose a few old growths, the likelihood of recovery is high.

nenella · #3 07-19-2009, 01:21 PM

Hi Dev, I agree with what Ray says. Cut off all the dead roots & repot. If you're using bark dont forget to soak it before. The leaves on your plant don't look that bad at all! Keep us posted . I'm sure you will soon see a difference!

iceicebaby · #4 07-19-2009, 01:52 PM

Hi please let me know which medium to use?
will charcoal be ok?

nenella · #5 07-19-2009, 02:32 PM

What is it /was it, planted in before? (in the above photos?) I would not change the type of medium it s planted in as seems to do fine. Just re-new it.
I'm not sure that only charcoal would be great? Hopefully someone in your part of the world will be able to tell you what's best? I presume you grow outdoors too?

iceicebaby · #6 07-19-2009, 02:35 PM

Well I grow outdoor only vandas.
I bought this plant growing on some old wood, seems to be from thiland.
but I guess I have to change it.
Will this plant grow out door?

Suresh Kalyanpur · #7 07-23-2009, 04:09 AM

Hi Dev,

I am from Bangalore and will try give you some suggestions. First of all repot the plant in brick and charcoal pieces - something very esaily available in India. This will ensure good drainage and also air circulation. Due to the hot and dry conditions like I imaging what you have in Orissa, you must water your orchids every day. Give them orchid feed even twice a week (Of course very weak dosage). In a short while you will see the change in your plants. I am presuming the plants get adequate light and some sunlight.

All the best.