What to do with a Phal with roots, but no leaves? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

supersheep · #11 01-06-2013, 07:07 PM

It seems I'm in luck. My housemate was throwing out a large glass food jar, so I gave it a good clean, put some kitchen towel at the bottom with a bit of water and put my orchid in it in a pot. It's got a blue, opaque lid, but I think it'll be ok.

Here's the set up - what do you think? It looks rather crude tbh, but I hope it's ok!

(My housemate reckons it looks like something out of Aliens!

)

Thanks so much for all the help! Fingers crossed it'll work and if not, I've got my nice new one!

Silje · #12 01-06-2013, 07:17 PM

Good! Try it like that.

Keep us posted on the progress.

Fingers crossed!

supersheep · #13 01-06-2013, 08:35 PM

Thanks so much for all the help guys

I'll try and keep you uopdated on how it's doing and hopefully it'll be good news!

I know it won't happen overnight, but how long do you think it will be before I notice definite signs of life - or death?

mattryan · #14 01-07-2013, 12:46 PM

That looks like it can work. Now the orchid has to cooperate lol. It took mine like 3-4 months to do anything. As long as the roots still turn green when watering you should be ok, also they should be firm to the touch. If not then you might be losing the orchid. Also I think that I did a soak in perioxide just to make sure there was no rot spreading anywhere. You might want to try a keiki paste on whats left of the crown and see what if anything happens. I didn't do that because we don't have that up here in Canada, unless you special order it. Again goodluck, keep us posted.

Cheryl

supersheep · #15 01-07-2013, 01:24 PM

Thanks mattryan. I'll try soaking it in peroxide, as a few of the roots are a little soft.

Will also look into that Keiki paste.

Thanks for all the help and fingers crossed!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #16 01-07-2013, 02:13 PM

One thing to add, and not necessarily on what to do, as I think that that's already been covered.

Even after years of experience growing Phals and orchids in general, I've come to expect that sometimes some Phals will drop all of their leaves when something isn't right, just to leave behind healthy roots and meristem tissue that's still alive.

Don't be discouraged. Keep it around until there really is no hope. With some skill and a little bit of luck, it may bounce back soon. Good luck.

supersheep · #17 01-13-2013, 01:36 PM

Hi guys

Thanks for all the help, but I'm afraid my orchid seems pretty much dead now...

I think it got too humid as it started to go a bit mouldy. When I took it out to check, all the roots were mushy and most fell away, leaving only the inner thread.

I think it really has had it now, but I'm glad I did try to save it.

Paul Mc · #18 01-13-2013, 10:03 PM

Don't give up on orchids! It takes patience and a willingness to learn (from forums, books and personal observations). Once you get the hang of it, you'll love it!

A seasoned grower told me once that you aren't a true orchid grower until you've killed more than you care to mention, lol... But don't let it stop you! Learn and enjoy when you succeed!

In my city, some have success with one type or another, but few have success with many varieties unless they have lots if experience. Even those with tons of experience have issues with some that others here can keep alive.

I'm only saying this so you understand that even us seasoned growers have issues and to ask that you don't give up on such a rewarding hobby!

Silje · #19 01-14-2013, 12:40 AM

I agree with Paul. And I think that NOID phals from the supermarket is a very good place to start, because there is an endless supply and they don't cost a fortune so the losses are bearable.

These rescue attempts are very useful learning experiences, also when there is no happy ending.

I think as Paul, growing orchids become a very personal hobby. What works for you, does not at all work for others, and although it's nice to have happy orchids, and that's what we all strive for, I think that the times when we (try to) heal a struggling orchid is the real learning experience. That's when you really pick up on the tricks and the tips and this is knowledge that you take with you and apply the next round around, and the next round...and over time this is how you become a good grower.

Good luck!

violetta · #20 01-14-2013, 04:19 AM

Hi supersheep,
I've just seen your thread and I'll tell you what I do in similar situations, even though it's too late for this Phal.
What I do is ... nothing (call me lazy). Provided the roots are ok, I keep the leafless phal in its pot and water it normally, whenever the mix dries out. I've always had success with this, here is a phal of mine:

http://i46.tinypic.com/287f0a1.jpg