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my rescue orchid is not doing so well. we're down to one not very… | Anything about plants | Planta community

plantgeek

my rescue orchid is not doing so well. we're down to one not very convincing root. i've decided that because it struggled even in non-soil medium, i will grow it in.. nothing. i'll treat it like an air plant, soak for 30 minutes once every three days and then leave it next to my window. i got it for free so i'm not going to be particularly upset if it dies. will update soon to report how it's going. this is more of an experiment than anything else, i've seen some have success with this method and i'm wondering if it will work for phalaenopsis like it does for other kinds

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8 comments

  1. cam

    keep us updated! this is so insanely interesting

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  2. FRR

    Go for it! if you already know this, apologies! Orchids fascinating! they naturally grow on trees on shady area of the bark or in nooks and crannies although the fastest way to kill one is over watering (been there, done that too many times).In nature they get their water from the air. sooo, probably don’t soak it. just mist it. and no direct sun. that said, I applaud you for trying to save it. I’m always trying to save plants other people say, “It’s an annual, throw it out.” I’ve held onto my favorite impatients that way. my orchids do great in bark. I hit the roots with about 1/3 cup tap water once3 a week. I’m going to try rain water. And I second Cam, keep us posted!

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    • plantgeek

      i know orchids are epiphytes :-) i had it in orchid bark and perlite but it still struggled. it was already rotting when i got it so i guess i must've just not gotten it all the first time. also, they don't take in moisture like you might be thinking— they can't take in ambient humidity unless there's extreme levels of it, like to the point that the humidity is causing condensation at room temps— and they do need to be soaked regularly or misted multiple times a day, and unfortunately i don't trust myself to be able to mist multiple times a day LOL

      1 like
  3. FRR

    does Planta have any advice? you could ask their experts

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  4. Waspinator

    That's salvagable. The key is to avoid getting water in its tiny crown while still getting water directly on its root. (If you get water above the root, use a paper towel to dry it. I find ripping the paper tower to give it a raw edge helps; it leaves some tiny fibers that can get into crevices and wick up the moisture better.) Also with watering, be sure to use room temperature water. Root griwth can be stunted if the plant vibrates too much, so make sure it's stable and not getting bumped by anything in between waterings

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  5. FRR

    thanks. I see your point. I’m pulling for your poor orchid! What you said about soaking makes sense to me now. I think some come from areas with Monsoons! I’ve been lucky - I have never soaked or misted my moth orchids. They do take in moisture from those furry air roots they grow. I’ve got to try misting them. They bloom a few times a year. I bet they’ll appreciate the misting. My oldest one is 8 years old. Do you know how to put in the age of a plant. I love talking about plants!

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    • plantgeek

      i don't think you can edit the plant age. moth orchids can bloom for nearly an entire year if they're happy enough! they'll definitely like a humidity bump. there's actually orchids on every single continent inhabited by humans, and over 28,000 species. they're diverse and incredibly fascinating, there's an orchid with just about every adaptation you can think of. there's a butterfly orchid with an 'albo' form, mutated completely naturally and lives in the wild where i'm from. they're crazy

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  6. FRR

    Evolution is the best!

    1 like