Concerning Colors On Stem - Orchid Board

Bergmite · #1 07-15-2022, 12:20 PM

Hello! First post, I’ve had great luck on other forums for specific questions and help so I wanted to try it for my orchid. I’m a complete beginner!

I received this white orchid February last year and it was in full bloom then, and has been until recently. The flowers began wilting about a week ago. I understand that it’s part of the natural life cycle for them to wilt and come back, but I’ve never seen such a dramatic change of color as this one on any other plants so I was a bit concerned. The flower spikes are white right near the flower and turn orange and red closer to the stem. Much of the stem at the top is red as well. The base and roots look healthy (to my newbie eye, at least) but I was hoping for other opinions and advice on the matter. Thank you in advance for your help! Orchid - Album on Imgur The imagur link includes pictures.

Ray · #2 07-15-2022, 01:11 PM

That inflorescence (flower spike) has done its job, the water and stored nutrients and minerals in t have been resorbed by the plant, so it is dead. You may cut it off at its base.

estación seca · #3 07-15-2022, 02:40 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I can't get to the photos. It says Imgur is over capacity. Is it a Phalaenopsis orchid? Search on that term to look at photos.

Bergmite · #4 07-15-2022, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I can't get to the photos. It says Imgur is over capacity. Is it a Phalaenopsis orchid? Search on that term to look at photos.

Hi! Yes, it does seem to be. Just the “regular” orchid. Let me know if these images work?
https://media.discordapp.net/attachm...0/IMG_7896.jpg
https://media.discordapp.net/attachm...7/IMG_7897.jpg
https://media.discordapp.net/attachm...6/IMG_7898.jpg

---------- Post added at 04:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

That inflorescence (flower spike) has done its job, the water and stored nutrients and minerals in t have been resorbed by the plant, so it is dead. You may cut it off at its base.

Ohh I see! Thank you for the advice! Should I cut it very low or just where it stops being discolored?

Ray · #5 07-15-2022, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bergmite

Ohh I see! Thank you for the advice! Should I cut it very low or just where it stops being discolored?

As close to the base as possible without damaging the plant.

Fuerte Rav · #6 07-15-2022, 07:20 PM

Looking at picture number 3, I think I can see traces of mealy bug or something similar. Have a look at other threads in the 'Pests and Diseases' forum here for suggestions on how to deal with them. And act quickly if it is them!
Or it may just be my eyes and there is nothing to be concerned about

(The little spider is not a problem!)

estación seca · #7 07-15-2022, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuerte Rav

Looking at picture number 3, I think I can see traces of mealy bug or something similar. Have a look at other threads in the 'Pests and Diseases' forum here for suggestions on how to deal with them. And act quickly if it is them!
Or it may just be my eyes and there is nothing to be concerned about

(The little spider is not a problem!)

I agree. The spider is not a problem. It looks like the plant might be infested with scale insects. Before you do anything I suggest a little more reading.

A Phal. sold in flower is almost always ready for repotting. Yours probably would benefit from that.

Have a glance through the first few pages of a thread here that teaches how to grow Phalaenopsis orchids. From the left yellow menu choose Forums, then Beginners. Near the top look for a sticky thread The Phal. abuse stops here. Then plan your repotting.

A good way to deal with scale or mealy bugs, since you're about to repot, is to drown them. This kills bugs and eggs.

Take the plant out of the old pot, gently remove as much old medium as comes easily, don't cut off any roots that don't fall off on their own, and let it dry for a few hours. Then use a soft toothbrush and some slightly soapy water to scrub off gently any bugs you see. I put about 1 tsp/5ml of liquid dish soap in a quart/liter of water. Then submerge the whole plant in the soapy water so it is completely covered. You might need to put something on top of it so it stays submerged. Leave it for 8-12 hours. Drain, rinse and let dry, then pot into the pot and medium of your choice.

Bergmite · #8 07-15-2022, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

I agree. The spider is not a problem. It looks like the plant might be infested with scale insects. Before you do anything I suggest a little more reading.

A Phal. sold in flower is almost always ready for repotting. Yours probably would benefit from that.

Have a glance through the first few pages of a thread here that teaches how to grow Phalaenopsis orchids. From the left yellow menu choose Forums, then Beginners. Near the top look for a sticky thread The Phal. abuse stops here. Then plan your repotting.

A good way to deal with scale or mealy bugs, since you're about to repot, is to drown them. This kills bugs and eggs.

Take the plant out of the old pot, gently remove as much old medium as comes easily, don't cut off any roots that don't fall off on their own, and let it dry for a few hours. Then use a soft toothbrush and some slightly soapy water to scrub off gently any bugs you see. I put about 1 tsp/5ml of liquid dish soap in a quart/liter of water. Then submerge the whole plant in the soapy water so it is completely covered. You might need to put something on top of it so it stays submerged. Leave it for 8-12 hours. Drain, rinse and let dry, then pot into the pot and medium of your choice.

Oh no!! Thanks for letting me know. I’ll look into it right away. I was friends with the president of the orchid society down here in fort lauderdale for a short while and I repotted some plants with him. When we did it, he used cinnamon on the pieces we cut off. Is that a good idea?

---------- Post added at 09:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuerte Rav

Looking at picture number 3, I think I can see traces of mealy bug or something similar. Have a look at other threads in the 'Pests and Diseases' forum here for suggestions on how to deal with them. And act quickly if it is them!
Or it may just be my eyes and there is nothing to be concerned about

(The little spider is not a problem!)

Thank you very much!! I think you were right on the money after a few google searches. I’m going to try and carefully remove the spider so I can clean the leaves.