This one is definitely still save-able...

[orchid_killer]

This cym is stunted. But, GOOD NEWS! IT'S STILL ALIVE!
Here is the before picture. The leaves are curled and skinny and just doesn't look healthy. And yes, that's hard water stains on the bottom of the pot.


Here is a picture of the roots. Yuck. BUT! Do you see the little green root there? There's still hope!!!


So, I repotted with special orchid mix, cutting all the dead roots and placing the chid 1/2 inch beneath the mix. Soaked the whole thing with filtered water, leaving a little in the "tray" outside of the pot. I have all my orchids of all varieties in this type of pot. It is glossy ceramic with "designer" holes. The bottom inside the pot is shaped so that the mix "floats" over some areas where some extra water can drip down while the rest exits the designer holes. The pot has a tray on the outside that can hold water for extra humidity for the leaves. After I soaked the whole thing, I put my palm over the thing and turned it upside down to eliminate the extra water inside the pot. Then I poured some water in the outside tray. Check it out:


So, anything I did wrong?

I live in Jacksonville, FL. Temps are crazy this week. 80's earlier in the week, 30's last night, and 60 right now! I had to hurry up and move all the chids inside last night! Humidity has been between 50-60%.

Right now this chid is inside by a north-west-facing window, but I don't think it gets enough light there. The patio where it is normally sitting in when it's not freezing outside is also facing north-west, but it gets more light there.

So, what do I do next?

Thank you so very very very very very much!

[Lizgeo]

This one doesn't look like cymbidium, its leaves and bulbs are more like oncidium. The pot is too big for the plant, and the orchid is potted a little too deep in the bark. But that's my opinion.

[Orchidzrule]

I agree with Lizgeo--not a cymbidium. It's probably an oncidium, although there's an outside chance it could be an Encyclia--I sometimes have a little trouble distinguishing between them, as they both have pseudo-bulbs with leaves shaped like your plant.

I also agree the pot is too large. The problem with pots that are too large is the plant can't use all the water in the pot, so the bark mix begins to break down and rot. Then the roots do, too. Generally, orchids should be put in pots that are just barely large enough to contain the roots. I'm less concerned about it being planted too deep because oncidiums & encyclias can climb.

Cheers,
Rob

[bench72]

As a regular over-potterer (is this even a word), the main thing to remember is that bigger pots won't dry out as fast so you have to be extra careful with watering and ensuring the potting mix doesn't stay wet all the time.

I actually like the pots that you have them in and there are plenty enough holes in it to ensure there is plenty of air movement getting to the roots which should help with the drying out of the mix.

so now just keep an eye out on the mix... moist is good, wet not so good.

[Lambert]

I agree with the gang, I would use a regular clay pot half this size. Also make sure that the pot is not "sitting" in the water that you leave in the tray.
The last thing you want is for the potting mix to wick the water up and keep the medium consistently wet.

[ischel1]

I'm afraid your designer pots may be the death of your orchids. They are glazed and have a tendency to hold more moisture that a plain clay pot. I do agree that you have overpotted for the plant. Pot too big, plant too deep. Did you cut away all the dead and broken roots before potting?

[orchid_killer]

Oh man! I love those pots! And they're 5 times more expensive than the clay pots too... grrr... waste of $$, I tell ya. Good thing I found this site before I bought some more! I was gonna get me a big one for my "still alive" tutakamen.

Okay, will repot tomorrow, small clay pot, higher than it is now. Water once a week until more roots come in. Oh yeah, I chopped off all the roots except the tiny green one. It's looking more sad now than it was yesterday. Waaaa!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL!

[cindiras]

Hey killer, Just set your smaller plain clay pot inside the decorative one to get the best of both!