please help me... in trouble, sick Moth Orchid

[Original flower]

I talk about them, and to them, like they are my children. Even though my friends are looking at me like I am quite crazy. I just put a bit of peroxide on the "nub" where the leaves used to be. Yes, it bubbled quite a alot... poor thing I wet her roots a bit, I wanted to refresh her a little (not near the rotting area.) Now I am looking at pictures of other peoples roots. My little ones roots look a bit simular... some green, some yellow. But on mine some of the ends are tipped in black. Also, looking at what other people are using for bark. And it seems depending on where you live makes a difference too. I am in New England, the weather changes so drastically, and the air will dry out when the heat is on in the colder weather. I could use any help with what kind potting material to use... A certain type of wood? Charcoal...? a mixture? There are many types on line, wood sizes too! Very confusing! Some times I feel I am ignoring "the Sister Plant" who is doing much better, she seems happy and has beautiful blooms! When I get the right potting material I will replant her allso... should I be spritzing? I am still looking for a camera! Thank you and Blessings, Sharon

[ischel1]

Sharon, there is an orchid mix that is sold in the home improvement stores and it says Phalaenopsis orchid mix. That's what you want to use. It already has everything you need in it. Put your orchid in a clay pot with a hole in the bottom for drainage, along with the orchid mix, then place the pot on top of a tray with pebbles. Place water in the tray, but do not let the pot touch the water. This will increase the humidity around the plant. You can also place some bowls of water in the area if it's very dry in your room. Hope this helps.
ischel

[Original flower]

I am so sorry if these photo's are not right. Not only do I need lessons on Orchids but also, computers and photography! Please have patience with me... This is scary! The other photo's where to big...? Ok, I am going back in and try again.

[Original flower]

Think I have it now... crossing fingers, talking to {{{Buddha}}}

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi Sharon, looks like you got the photos up!

Ok - First photo looks like you have some stressed roots. The green/ white ones are healthy - that is the good news. The yellow ones look fairly stressed. If they are squishy they may be rotting.

Second photo (I am guessing a different view of the same orchid) looks a little better. But since this orchid has no leaves, it is probably a good idea to sphag and bag it. Keep it in low light and keep the humidity high. If you do pot it up, still keep the humidity high using the tent method. Remember, low light until it grows some new leaves.

Cheers,
BD

[Original flower]

BD, I could just hug you... this is in deed good news!!! Ok, so no wood chips (right now?), and no more removing of limbs! So I should use the "Sphag" and then I "bag" her??? Paper, plastic? How is this done? Will she not go on rotting? Stressed out roots... yes very. Stressed out Orchid and stressed out Sharon too. I am going to go to my evening meditation, and when I come back I will do what ever she needs done to her... Thank you and Blessings!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Well, you don't want to keep it too wet, so maybe I should have said Bag her.

Just put the plant in a bag without water or sphag. I don't think you need the sphag and putting it in there might make her continue to rot. So, no sphag, just bag.

Be sure to take the plant out of the bag once every few days and run water over it. Be sure it air drys before being put back into the bag. Keep it in low light and lets hope for the best.

Cheers,
BD

[Original flower]

Oh good, the sphag stuff just didn't feel right (after all this) I put her in a large, plastic zip lock... is that ok? I didn't close it all the way though Or would a paper bag be better? I am SO writing all this down...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

No, a plastic bag. Catch as much air in the bag as you can. The goal is that the bag helps hold moisture near the plant without her being 'wet'. Paper would not accomplish this. Leave the bag open a bit, yes. Any no worries, you won't be quizzed on this. I think you should also go and buy a healthy orchid that can help you to feel better too.

Cheers,
BD

[Original flower]

You are cute. There where two Orchids that I adopted. The "sister" looks pretty healthy... When I get the new bark mix I will have a good look at her roots, and take a few pictures before I repot her. (afraid to look before then) Funny, I was just looking at pictures of other Orchids... I think I found "the next one" it is called Darwin's Orchid. I might just be addicted... blessings!