I have a new pet <snail>

[Tikva]

OK, I noticed another of my plants not doing well... I decided to have a look see and realized all of the roots (they weren't, um, impressive to begin with) all rotted. Not the crown or anything, just there isn't one healthy looking root. As I was cutting away all that I could, I met a snail! Where does a snail come from in indoor plants? Think it came with the plant?

I'm having such trouble fixing problems and avoiding them... I can't spagh and bag because they get moldy. So I moistened some spagh and squeezed it out really well. Then I put another plant with no roots on top of it in a darker warmer room.
Julie, I am totally a believer now. I can only buy totally healthy plants. It came to me with really not good roots at all and has gotten worse. I trimmed them up and potted in regular potting mix.
I dont know what orchids I can grow and what ones will come in perfect condition.... I feel frustrated right now...

[Diane]

Gee, sorry to hear about your orchid health problems. You really should try to avoid store rescues, and don't be shy about sticking your finger way down into the pot when considering buying a plant. Too moist? Icky media? Smells funky (the media). Don't bother. Plants are a reputable orchid nursery cost more, but are usually worth it.

[Ania]

I know how you feel. I still remember every single plant that died under my care and wish that I could replace them and be successful this time. I think my worst and the most painful defeat was with Onc. Sherry Baby. I tried 3 times before I decided to kill no more of them! I still don't know what I was doing wrong with it... Meanwhile, I keep on reading wow easy they are to grow! Yesterday I went to a garden center and there it was sitting on the out-of-flower bench for $12.50. I did not take it home with me...But I did take Grower Ramsey! I believe that there are plants and people that don't do well with each other and there is nothing you can do. Not your fault. What works for me is to stick with one kind of plants that do well for me and then maybe try something else that likes similar conditions. I don’t even consider buying anything that likes I-C temps or high humidity at all times. Sure death in my hands. Also, if you have problem with rotting roots, try different potting mix, something that dries faster. I use lava rock with oncidiums, because I kept them too wet and I added rock wool to my paphs' mix because they were drying out too often. It is easier to change the growing mix, than to change your watering habits. Another thing to do, is to make sure that any reused pots are as close to sterile as possible, so you give the new plant healthy start. In addition to good washing, I spray everything with anti fungal (pot and the plant) every time I repot. So work on sorting out what works for you with the plants you have, and things should get better for you. I hope this is not more advice than you asked for.

Best.

A

[Tikva]

Ania,
ANY advice is always welcomed!!!!
Diane - I didn't mean for them to be rescues LOL. My reputation has grown too large for who I am haha!! I am completely and totally a cheapskate. I do believe I bought this orchid with the other one - both were $5 each at the end of the NYC show... It's more that I'm cheap and that I don't know what to look for. And now that I know a bit more what to look for to avoid, I am a bit too shy to do it....
I need to learn more and be more assertive, and really not look for deals of any kind LOL!!! Deals are deals for a reason I fear....

[Gin]

The snail probably came with the plant .. called a bush snail very small and eats roots .
It is best to stay away from rescue plants , I have done the same thing and ended up with a plant that struggles and does not bloom , anyway in my lifetime .
If overwatering is a problem try the straight pellets or lava rock .
I know it is flustrating but don't beat yourself up over the problems that is what will make you tougher and a better grower .. Gin

[Diane]

Tikva - I've killed more plants (or at least failed to keep them alive) than you will probably ever own!!! For example, Onc and Dends are sure to die in my care. I keep trying them, when i find a reasonably priced one, I always buy it in bloom so at least I get a little enjoyment.

We've all been there, sometimes you buy a cheap plant and you really get a great deal! But the old adage of you get what you pay for is pretty true to form... So if you want to bargin hunt, at least plan to repot the second you get it home, have a small variety of potting media to select from when you do repot, and a close inspection for bugs, snails and mold/rot while repotting. A spay down with an anti fungle or a dip in dish-soap and water are alway a good preventative..

Remember - dont get , get !!

YOU CAN DO IT IF WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IT!

[Tikva]

Thanks for the perk up. I'm not ready to quit... yet... lol
My poor plants... Bet they feel like the fish in Nemo - when they have to go home with the dentist's neice who kills fish haha... OK, not so funny....

[jtlqh]

Some plants from NYC show I bought were pretty bad shape, although they are from some well known nurseries. I think the trouble is those plants stay in the packing bag (some were wrapped in a plastic bag) too long, and I don't think there is enough llighting there. I had a few with roots completly gone. But I nurse them pretty well, and I believe the recovery is quite fast. You will need stronger and longer light for the catt seedling to send out new roots, new growths. The wheather in these days is certainly not help your plants. I have mine under grow lights for 16 hours a day, and all of the bad ones responded within 2 or 3 weeks.

Qing

[Ania]

Tikva,

My kids were just watching Nemo! the little girl's name is Darla. You not Darla

[bench72]

there are plants and people that don't do well with each other and there is nothing you can do. Not your fault.... Also, if you have problem with rotting roots, try different potting mix, something that dries faster. I use lava rock with oncidiums, because I kept them too wet and I added rock wool to my paphs' mix because they were drying out too often. It is easier to change the growing mix, than to change your watering habits...

Ania gets 5 thumbs up for this advice!!!

For me, the above was the hardest thing to learn... but even partial realisation of the above has meant that I am killing less and flowering more... and it's only gonna get better on!