Orchid Infirmary

[fxman]

Hello all,
I thought I would display a few pictures of my assortment of rehabbing plants. If you see any things that you might change please feel free to comment. As I mentioned before none of these have any substantial roots.
But all are showing signs of growth.
Thanks

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi.

Offhand, I would repot the two orchids in the blue glazed pots. They cannot get any air to the roots in those pots because of the pretty glaze. The roots will likely rot away very quickly. The one on the right side of the photo looks like it is really struggling. JMHO. Hope it helps.

Cheers!
BD

[Diane]

BD is giving you the right advice. Good luck with those guys, and get them some air!

[fxman]

I figured that would be your advice. Funny thing is they are actully doing great (compared to when they were put in there). None of the new growth you see was there when I first put them in there. In fact i just put them there on a whime, never figured they would live. They only have nubs for roots so i think it is still getting enough air on the top. Don't get me wrong I plan to move them into a new pot soon. Right now they sit in my kitchen window with a nice little juniper bonsai. With the others would you get rid of the shrivled back bulbs and move them to smaller pots?

[Diane]

I'd say that as long as there is no disease or infestation on the old back bulbs, leave them there. The plants are under enought stress without adding surgery to the list.

Did you give them any rooting hormone?

[fxman]

No, I have not. I just read a post in regards to using it. I have only used the Peters ochid food which is a 30-10-10. Can you get it at the local big box? If not I have a place which specializes in orchids in my city, but it is a little drive. I have some Olivia's. However, it is a gel that I would have to dip the roots in.
Thanks

[Orchid Interests]

Superthrive can be found about anywhere. Lookout for it, its a small bottle. Easy to miss.

[Diane]

Rooting hormone is different from superthrive. Since there are almost no roots, you could sprinkle some Rootone on the base of the bulbs, or order some KLN rooting hormone which most orchid sellers offer - it's a liquid concentrate.

[orchid-man]

I will through my 2 cents worth in as well.

Photos 1 & 3 .I would repot them down to a pot just big enough to hold the bulbs

[Bill in NYC]

I wonder what kind of humidity these plants are in?