holes in orchid stem water

[leafmite]

I like to think of orchid medium's purpose as to provide humidity to the air around the roots to simulate the environment from which they come (they grow on trees in humid, hot, places). If the medium holds too much water, air cannot get around the roots and they rot. Whatever medium you select should deliver humid air around the roots. Hope this helps!
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[espranch]

I can only say "what" I do with my own orchids. After a bloom dies/ or is dying, I cut it off. As far as the phals. go, I cut off the stem as close as I can, to the bottom of the plant.....I use sterile, small clippers. Then I spray with alcohol, and put a little sulphur on the cut. This insures that no bacteria will enter the cut. As far as fertilizer...that also is different for everyone. I personally use 1/4 of a teaspoon to a gallon of water. I use 30-10-10 or 20-20-20 during the growing season. I use the fertilizer three times a month, and then just plain water the fourth time. Seems to work great for my orchids, but this is just MY opinion! Good luck...Betty

[cbstew22]

Actually I think it was just a spent stem that had purple flowers on it therefore making the stem seem purple. Thanks though for addressing the actual issue. If I'm wrong please someone let me know. I have actually cut the stem all the way back since it was mushy too. Have a wonderfully blessed day.

[TirSigel]

Could you post a pic, so we can see exactly what is going on?

[cbstew22]

Thanks Betty, I bought some LISTERINE, as I was told that was good for killing bacteria. ---- Vendor discussion removed - See faqs on posting ---- So I brought the baby home, took it out of the pot cut off the dead parts, washed the whole plant in tap water dabbed listerine on the parts removed, and repotted it w/new orchid mix in the same pot which I sterilized w/diluted bleach, and isolated it from the other ones on the kitchen counter near an east facing window. Two of my old phals have new growth...WOW... I got so excited to see those new leaves. No flowers yet on any of them. I think I need to fertilize. I have some 0rchid food. Plan on doing that today, as a matter of fact.
Thanks for your post, sorry it took me so long to get back. Have a safe and blessed day!
Cindy

[King Kjeldz]

i wonder if an insect burrowed.....also miracle grow is soil for starters not an epiphytic mix

[Abrielle107]

I tried the Miracle Grow orchid mix but found, as it was constantly releasing fertilizer, some of my plants started to burn. Generally orchids need flushed with plain water once a month to remove the fertlizer salts that build up but there is no way to adequately do this with the Miracle Grow mix. I repotted as soon as I noticed the fert burn.

[kiwiorchids]

Miracle grow orchid mix? Orchids DO NOT belong in regular mix, their roots will rot in no time.

Depends if they are terrestrial or not. Try potting in orchid bark (I use Orchiata, made from NZ Pinus radiata), there are several grades. I always go 'the larger the roots, the chunkier the bark.' Pumice mix works well too, and doesnt tend to break down either.

[PaphMadMan]

There still seems to be some confusion about Miracle-Gro Orchid Potting Mix, assuming that is what Cindy used. It is not the same as the Miracle-Gro potting mixes for general container plant use or general garden use, which you would obviously not use for orchids in general. Miracle-Gro Orchid Potting Mix is a bark-based ORCHID POTTING MIX, and perfectly suitable for a wide range of orchids. Like any other medium or mix you may have to adapt your fertilizer and watering to it, that is normal. It does supply some fertilizer for 6 months but I've never seen any problem using it for Paphs. I probably wouldn't use it with salt-intolerant orchids like Disa or some Phrags, etc. but I think it just fine for most uses.

As for watering, don't judge anything by weight until you are used to how your pots feel both wet and dry. Water thoroughly and a day or 2 later dig your finger in far enough that you can tell if the mix is moist inside, and water only when it is mostly dry. Some people use a wooden or bamdoo skewer stuck into the mix, and pull it out ot check for moisture. Bottom line, if plants aren't wilting they are getting enough water.

[cbstew22]

Thank you soooo much, finally recieved the answer to my question.

Be blessed,
Cindy