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

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I will by some lovely bark and throw the soggy stuff away! BUT... what about the other "Sister" Orchid? I should replant her too... huh? Ok, but can I do it after I have gotten over the trauma of this one?

It is probably a good idea to pot up both of your orchids in the same type of mix. Since it comes in a bag from the store, there will be plenty of bark for both orchids. Be sure to wash the pots well and put some styro peanuts in the bottom to help with drainage and keep air around the roots.

Check out this article for growing and care instructions of the phalaenopsis orchid:
Growing the Phalaenopsis Orchid (Moth Orchid)

Cheers,
BD

[Original flower]

I love these new "Moon Moth" Orchids... It was frightening to see them suffering. I new when I said I would take them, and try to save them, it would take a miracle and a comitment. I just wanted to say thank you for your help today. Its not the same thing to read a book about Orchids... or try to find help in articles on line. I feel at least these beautiful plants have a chance surviving with your help. I look forward to talking and learning more about them, with you. Blessings, Sharon

[Brutal_Dreamer]

No worries, Sharon. Post up the photos so we can see those roots and plant to make sure we give you the best advice. Lots of knowledge here and plenty of wonderful people willing to share and help. Enjoy the forum.

Cheers,
BD

[Gilda]

hydrogen peroxide... wow. Some one else told me cinnamon! I SO need a camera.

Cinnamon is used too, but I find peroxide more effective. I have saved phals from crown rot with this method.

[Original flower]

Gilda, Good morning. Thank you for your advice, full strength or deluted? In the future I will rmember this... its just that this poor Orchid needed a bit more attention, I think. Right now She is drying out in the shade, her exsposed roots make her look like she could walk away! When I woke up I noticed her "Sister's" leaves are spliting down the middle! I will purchase some bark, and remove her flowers also... replant her also in the next couple of days. =( Hopefully get a hold of a camera... and share some pictures with everyone. It is wonderful not feeling all alone in this... thank you and Blessings!

[Ron-NY]

you have a kind gentle soul...Bruce's advice is good. There is root rot if the roots are squishy. Peroxide works well. I will cut off the squishy roots. Sometimes, I will take the moss, lay it on a tray, lay the plant on top with roots exposed and make a plastic tent, that has some opening for some air exchange. I place the whole thing in the shade. The moist moss will keep the level humidity higher and give the plant a chance to develop some new roots.

[Original flower]

Dear Ron, Thank you... I am going out for the day, and was just now wondering how to leave her. I will put her on the spongy stuff... under my Alter, until I get home.

[Gilda]

Gilda, Good morning. Thank you for your advice, full strength or deluted? !

Full strength, and don't be alarmed if it bubbles. Good Luck again.

[Original flower]

Hi everybody, I am sorry to say that when I woke uo today... the "rot" seems to be spreading. The one nice leaf she had is now dark, wet with fluid and departing from the center stalk above her roots. I will go to the drug store and get some poroxide... but I have a heavy feeling in My Center, about her. She is still out of her pot, her roots seem ok? But I am not sure, don't think soaking the roots is a good idea, don't know if repotting is right at this point... It is kind of common sense that the "rot" will continue its way down through her center... As BD told me, the damage was done already. Maybe there wasn't anything I could have done... ? Off to buy peroxide.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Don't give up. I have had phals whit no leaves come back from just a root mass.

Cheers,
BD