Help with Slipper Orchid! - Orchid Board

orchidgirl82 · #1 02-15-2010, 03:58 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a bunch of phal's and only one slipper. I love them but know little about them and lately it seems as if the one I have isn't doing so well.

The leaves on the area with the old spikes (there are two which I cut down last year after the flower died) are turning brown and falling off. I don't know if this is normal or not after it flowers but I have seen no root or leaf growth on the rest of the plant. I have it potted in paph/phrag bark and I water it with the same fertilizer as I use on my phals about every week or so when it is dry. It is sitting on my windowsill getting southern exposure. The leaves look pretty limp and I REALLY don't want to lose this plant. Last time I looked at the roots some were rotten and I cut them off even though I don't water this one too frequently. I see no growth whatsoever. Any help would be appreciated.

PaphMadMan · #2 02-15-2010, 04:44 PM

It is normal for older leaves to die back, but not till well after new growths are mature. It sounds like it has been either way too wet and roots have rotted, or way too dry at times. Southern exposure may be too bright, depending on the type of slipper. A picture and name would help.

orchidgirl82 · #3 02-16-2010, 08:45 AM

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback. I attached a pic to give you a better idea. I don't know the name of it. It has a stunning dark purple flower. I hope this helps! Please let me know what you think. I'm not sure what to do with it. The leaves are all really limp.

Regarding the lighting, i live in an apt. building in nyc so there are lots of other buildings blocking the light so i don't think it's getting too much light but you be the judge.

Thanks!!

mojomick · #4 02-16-2010, 10:26 AM

Limp leaves to me mean the plant has a watering problem. Either too little or too much. Check your roots and these leaves look awfully dark, enough light. Windows although they appear to be letting in lots of light, actually cut out much of what is usable. Light meter?

orchidgirl82 · #5 02-16-2010, 10:29 AM

Can anyone advise as to how much watering is appropriate for this type of orchid...i just water it when the medium feels dry which is about once a week. I don't keep it wet so i don't know how the roots rotted...help!

tuvoc · #6 02-16-2010, 10:40 AM

These guys should never be allowed to dry out at all. I water mine every two or three days, depending on temps, and pot size.

Kim

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #7 02-16-2010, 12:10 PM

Do you have a pic of the flowers?

It'll make it easier to give more specific answers to your questions.

Different Paphs have different requirements.

orchidgirl82 · #8 02-16-2010, 12:15 PM

It's been a while since it had a flower but i looked online and attached a pic of what I remember it looking most like. Let me know what you think and thanks for your reply!

slipperfreak · #9 02-16-2010, 12:59 PM

It looks to me like it has crown rot. I would unpot it, remove any rotten roots, and remove any leaves or growths that have any soft, brown/black tissue at the base. You must completely remove all of the rotten tissue or the disease will spread. Then pour a little hydrogen peroxide on the wounds, let it sit a few minutes, and dust the wounds with cinnamon. Finally repot the plant in fresh medium.

This type of rot is caused from overwatering and from water sitting in the crowns. Make sure that your plant is drying out slightly between waterings. It should preferably not become bone-dry, but just damp between waterings. However, underwatering is better than overwatering. A Paph can survive quite some time without water, but it will die quickly if it rots from too much. Also ensure that you water in the morning so that the crowns dry by nightfall, and consider improving the air movement in your growing area.

orchidgirl82 · #10 02-19-2010, 06:50 AM

Hi,

In my effort to help this little guy, i unpotted him and took photos of what's left of the roots for you to see. I'm so confused b/c they look dry and there's not much left of them after the rotten one's i cut off a few months back. It seems like a very thin line between keeping it moist and rotting the roots and not overwatering and having them dry out. I'm pretty confused on what these little guys are looking for.

If anyone could look at these pics and give me instructions on what I can do to save him I would be very grateful! Thanks in advance. I really don't want to lose it!