Newbie Help!
 

I am really new to orchids and only have 5 plants at this time. I am kind of flying by the seat of my pants really enjoying it.

However, I am very nervous about repotting. I've got a plant that has some mushy roots so I thought about repotting. But on the flower steam, there are two different spots with several leaves growing out. Will it be ok to repot or will it damage the leaves growing on the steam???

Thanks for any help!!

leafs on the steam - i thinks thats keikis - got pic´s`?

Can't do a pic right now our camera broke a few days ago and I am waiting on Best Buy to fix it.

The leaves are on two different spots on the flower spike, there are no flowers on the spike though and haven't for some time.

That sure sounds like new plants starting on the old spike to me.

if it is what i think it is - its keikis - try making a search here - theres lots of info on keikis

Can I repot while it is doing this?

If you have bad roots it deffianately needs to be repotted. About the spikes with the potential keikis, if it still has a good number of healthy roots you can leave them on. But, if it does not have a good root system left the spikes need to be removed in order to help save the plant. It will help the plant direct its energy into root production instead of making new plants. Pictures would be so helpful right now. I understand your situation tho.

Well I am repotting the plant. So far as I took it off and gently removed the media I noticed it had been planted with a ball of sage moss and that is why the roots are starting to rott as they can't dry out.

Once I can get my camera fixed, I'll post some pics.

In general, I have left all of my spikes for all my phal. Good idea or bad?

Well, like I said above if it has enough good roots left the spikes can stay. If not they need to go to help keep the plant alive. How many nonrotted roots are on the plant? How many leaves does it have. How long are the leaves?

5 non-rotted roots, 4 1/2 leaves (I saved it from almost dyeing) and they are 6 inches long.

That might be enough to support everything. What are you using for a medium? Have you checked the roots on the others?

By the way, welcome to OB!

I have not checked the roots on my other orchids but will this week. I am using a bark, charcoal and some white stuff medium that I got from Home Depot which said orchid potting medium.

If the leaves are nice and firm and not wrinkled or floppy I would say its ok and I would just repot it....

If leaves are soft and floppy I might still but would be more concerned and would watch for any further decline.If it looked like it might lose a leaf then the keikis would have to come off.

Great! Thanks for the info. I am looking at getting a new one, any good suggestions? Maybe something that smells really nice.

Well,I can thinkof a few off the top of my head but it really depends on hwat kind of temperature and how much light you can give. If you can give us an idea of where you are located, if you grow under lights or windows, and which way your windows face . I am sure we can come up wth a list of suitable prospects.

Live in Colorado,grow inside with windows and they face east and southwest.

Also, I got this new orchid from the grocery store a few weeks ago. Was doing great but now the new buds are turning yellow and falling off. The blooms are drying up and dying quickly. Any help?

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...s/DSCN2617.jpg


http://www.orchidboard.com/community...s/DSCN2620.jpg

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...s/DSCN2616.jpg

I haven't had any experiance with Brassia hybrids.

The are several fragrant Phalaenopsis species and hybrids that would do great in your east window. As far as your southwest window Neostylis Lou Sneary would be a good choice. Once the Neostylis is mature, I have had mine blooming almost nonstop for well over a couple of years.

Thanks for the suggestions!!!