Orchids

[Containergardener]

Anyone know anything about orchid houseplants . I've been given two via OH to see if I can revive them and keep if I can.
Possibly been way over watered but I don't know much about them.

[mothhawk]

I can only say what I would do. This is how I treat mine. I got fed up with mine continually growing roots over the sides of the pots so I took them out, cleaned off all the compost/bark stuff and I put them in glass vases. I only water when the roots look shrivelled and wrinkled, anddo that by pouring in about an ounce of water, swirling it round the vase, and tipping it all out again. About once a month I give them a couple of drops (literally) of tomorite in the water.

So if yours have been over watered I suggest taking them out of the pots, shaking off all the compost, and leaving them on some kitchen roll somewhere warm but not sunny to dry out. Remove any yellowed leaves and dead roots, then repot in fresh orchid compost or as I do, put them in a clear vase or jar, and don't be tempted to water for at least 4 weeks. Put them somewhere warm in bright light but not sunshine.

[Containergardener]

This is them.

[mothhawk]

Gosh, CG, they really look beyond hope, don't they? Is there any sign at all of a green growing leaf bud or a healthy root bud?

This video may help -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XgOQQDwJR4

[Star goose]

Moss orchid is quite resilient. The orchid in the second photo might be saveable. As for the first one, I am not so hopeful...

If the bulbus stem has some life left, the plant can regrow new roots.

If you can't get hold of sphagnum moss soon, try this as an emergency measure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwVJ...lvdmVycw%3D%3D

You just need a glass and water. Make sure the bulbus stem stay above the water as it just needs a high level of humidity.

[Containergardener]

I've taken the invalids from their pots to have a look and get some photos . Calling them 1 and 2.
1. Has no leaves
2. Has leaves

[mothhawk]

It looks as if there is life in one at least, CG. What I would do is cut off the old flower stems and trim away any mushy, rotting, or brittle dead roots. Rinse them in tepid water to clean off all the old compost. My secret weapon with orchids is a finely diced onion stirred into a pint or so of water - let it sit and infuse for 30 minutes then strain out the onion bits to make a great anti-bacterial solution. (This is what I use to wipe dust off my orchid leaves). Dunk the orchids in the liquid and leave for 10 minutes, then dab them with some kitchen towel, and leave on a fresh piece to dry completely, overnight is good.

Then you can sit them on damp sphagnum moss as per the video, or if no moss you could improvise by using an upturned plant pot in a deep container and use a piece of cotton rag as a wick by putting one end in the bottom of the container and the other on top of the plant pot, then sit the orchid on top of that. Enough water in the container to keep the cotton damp, but not enough to touch the orchid. A deep container is best as it keeps the humidity up without wetting the orchid.

I wish you lots of luck - bringing a dying plant back to life always gives me a thrill. Hope this works for you.

[Star goose]

Now I can see the stem, the orchid with no leaves might be salvageable actually.

Mothhawk, is the onion infusion providing nutrient to the orchid as well? I'm just curious.

[mothhawk]

Mothhawk, is the onion infusion providing nutrient to the orchid as well? I'm just curious.

It probably does a bit, onions must contain some minerals which are water soluble. Never given it any thought.
I just know it's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so a good wash for houseplants.

[Nicos]

I keep thinking about your orchids MH in those vases….such a beautiful way to display them!
I think I’ll be in the look out in vide greniers for something similar…glass jugs maybe?

CG…crossing my fingers you manage to rescue at least one of those plants.

[mothhawk]

Did you manage to save the orchids, CG?

[Containergardener]

Ahh well one went to mush which was the worst one, tbh I had to take so much off them I'm not surprised.
The other doesn't seem to be doing anything as yet.

[mothhawk]

They do take a long time to make up their minds, but if it hasn't died yet I'd say it's probably going to grow.