Worrying orchids to death
 

When I first started collecting orchids I would react to any imperfection, and sometimes simple worry, by taking action. A spot on a leaf - grab the Thiomyl. A dead or dying root - time for a Banrot drench. A couple scale insects or mealy bugs, spray the entire collection with malathion weekly for two or three weeks.

And then there are preventative measures such as root drench with Physan 20 or hydrogen peroxide. Maybe the media is no good or maybe the wrong kind. Time to repot again. Oh, no, what if it is too much...no make that too little fertilizer. But what, if it is the wrong fertilizer?

Some remedies such as too much misting, over-watering, under-watering, humidity too high, and applying chemicals often cause blemishes, or can even kill the plant.

Finally, there is the ultimate preventative. If that blemish could be something serious, it is imperative to cut it off.

I'm thankful that I knew so little about viruses, or I might have ended up needing therapy.

Unlike a philodendron, which can be grown blemish free, it is common for orchids to have harmless blemishes. The new collector sets out to glean all orchid knowledge from the internet; med school student syndrome sets in. Their orchids may have just about everything they read about. Something must be done!

How do we keep forum visitors from worrying their plants to death?

-Keith

Block YouTube from their computers.

Seriously, I have no idea. I have no idea why people think orchids can tolerate treatment they would never consider for a tomato plant or a maple tree.

Excellent post. I often find my self reading posts about possible ailments that seem to me to be nothing much. My reaction is usually not posted, but to myself I'll say something like, "Relax! You're worrying too much." Stressing over every little blemish or bug spotted on your plant is just that- stressing. Orchids are tough, mostly. They get bit and bumped, a little too much/not enough sun, etc. and come out fine. They grow slowly and, like Roberta says, teach patience. So, to the new growers, relax. Let them be. If something looks odd, ask. But don't stress out. Enjoy the hobby. Don't be controlled by it. Everything will be alright.

---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 PM ----------

Maybe the powers that be can make the op a sticky in the beginner section?

Yes, and ask before taking it out of the pot. I believe a fair number of the root problems people come here with are caused by unpotting/repotting the orchid to be sure the roots are okay or change to a "better" media.

-Keith

This thread should be mandatory reading for every newcomer to the wonderful world of orchids.

Yes, I see more plants killed than I like to think about because a grower changes conditions multiple times in quick succession due to an overreaction of a minor issue. I think it just takes experience to understand what is worth worrying about vs. what isn't.

This reminds me of having kids. Every cough or bruise on your first born is a big deal. Then you don't bat an eye for similar issues with your second born because you have a better understanding of what is actually worth worrying about. I think the same thing applies to orchids.

Great analogy. Thankfully orchids can't get Covid. If they could, things could get really crazy.

I forgot one of the worst. When in doubt, cut it out. If one cuts off every damaged root back to good tissue a healthy orchid with a minor problem can wind up on life support.
-Keith

---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 AM ----------

E.s., a lot of people would get their lives back if we just turned off the internet. That's not a serious idea, but sadly it's true.
Actually, the question was about what we can do.

I believe it would make a difference if we asked a lot more questions before making recommendations: "What have you done already?", "How's your water quality?", "How new is the potting media?", or even "What is the potting media?" Another would be to mention both pros and cons to the course of action. We could also emphasize the importance of not doing too much and overreaction. More diagnostic measures could also be suggested.

-Keith

I think there is merit to what ES said about youtube. Warning newcomers to the variety of conflicting information across the web and directing them to the wealth of successful growers right here could go a long way in saving them so much stress. I stay away from youtube most of the time, and when I do view an orchid video it is usually by one of our own. When it isn't, I find myself shaking my head at the bad advice.

It's all about pathways. There are various possible paths and approaches that people take when learning something ----- and various different situations and starting points for the various orchid growers out there. Some start by getting an orchid gift. Some start in other ways. So ----- it all depends on situation.

Not every grower will be like ourselves, where we might read a heap of orchid growing books, and learn various techniques, and purchase equipment and orchid-care items in advance. And not every grower will know how to treat a particular issue effectively or efficiently.

But in the end ----- maybe, like a lot of us ----- after spending enough time and effort and gaining enough experience through whatever means we can ------- things can come 'good' ----- or good for relatively long periods of time.

I agree with this. MissOrchidGirl does some good, but she also draws conclusions based in incomplete or misleading information she presents as fact. An example is that nonsense about keikis "sucking the life out of the mother plant". JustAddIceOrchids is another online disaster! I gave an orchid to a friend who ignored my watering advice and killed the roots with ice.

-Keith

---------- Post added at 12:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------

I completely agree, SP, but this thread asks what we can do to improve the situation. Initially I though there isn't much we can do, but after some thought I think there is a lot we can do. The example of our approach to a problem, that is modeling the correct approach, could go a long way.


-Keith