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Post by meateater on Aug 16, 2016 17:57:38 GMT -5
While it's still alive, it's not looking well. Two older leaves already yellowed and I trimmed it off. The inside seems like rotting with white stuff crawling What can cause it? Anything I can do to save it? This plant lives by east-facing window, not too sure how watering goes but I think the media gets relatively dry in between watering.
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Post by hebtwo on Aug 16, 2016 18:27:03 GMT -5
Yea, doesn't look ideal!
Do you know if the crown area (where it's turning black) gets wet? This looks like some good ole fashioned crown rot which happens when that area gets wet or stays wet.
Phals in nature grow with their leaves growing downwards which helps keep water away from rotting this area away.
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Post by meateater on Aug 16, 2016 20:45:05 GMT -5
I see... while we didn't water the crown area directly, I don't really know the humidity of that spot. It's living close to my CPs but my neps dry up pretty quick.
It's growing a flower stalk (I think), any ways to save it?
Thanks!
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Post by ellsie on Aug 16, 2016 21:27:35 GMT -5
Although I have never tried this before, I've read that some people swear by this. If you can catch crown rot in the early stages, it's best to remove all effected tissue with a clean cutting blade and then sprinkle cinnamon on the surface. www.orchiddynasty.com/newsite_th/?page_id=1774Good luck meateater, I hope you can save your orchid!
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Post by lloyd on Aug 16, 2016 22:09:41 GMT -5
If that's just a generic Loblaws Phalenopsis, throw it out, it's not worth getting back to health.
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Post by bonfield on Aug 16, 2016 22:27:11 GMT -5
When was the last time it was repotted?
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Post by edwards7 on Aug 16, 2016 22:30:46 GMT -5
Phalaenopsis, especially with their short stems, do not recover well from crown rot type diseases in my experience... your best bet would be to sever the top until you see healthy tissue, and then hope for a new growth. good luck!
edit: is there black on the base of the newest leaves as well? because if the newest leaves are clean/healthy, I wouldn't worry.
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Post by morphman on Aug 16, 2016 22:49:44 GMT -5
That looks like a terminal bud and it means that your plant has come to terms with dying and is making one last effort to flower and propagate. I would enjoy the flowers if they make it but i wouldn't put too much effort into trying to save it as the chances are very minimal. Hopefully it's not a rare species and can be easily replaced.
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Post by carkin on Aug 17, 2016 7:19:38 GMT -5
If it is crown rot, then you can treat it as suggested as just wait and see. Sometimes they are surprisingly resilient. But make sure you keep it away from your other orchids because rot can be contagious, especially if they are watered with your other orchids. You mentioned "white stuff crawling", do you mean like a bug?
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Post by meateater on Aug 17, 2016 16:57:24 GMT -5
I saw something that resembles fungus gnats larvae but I am not sure, they're tiny white thin stuff that moves fast. So here's another view on the plant. Based on advice here the mother plant probably won't make it? If I cut the tip off can that be propagated into a new plant?
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Post by lloyd on Aug 17, 2016 18:52:26 GMT -5
The roots look healthy. You could let it flower and enjoy the flowers and let it die. Or you could try and cut the dead part off, root the upper part and let the lower part send a new shoot up. As I mentioned above, generic phalenopsis are not worth much effort. You'd be far better off putting some effort into a more interesting plant.
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Post by carkin on Aug 17, 2016 20:35:34 GMT -5
Oh, yes, it could be fungus gnat larvae or maybe springtails. Unless this plant is very unique or has sentimental attachment for you, I would have to agree with lloyd.
But if you want to baby it a little, I've seen Phals come back from much worse rot. Just make sure you remove all the affected tissue. You can pour peroxide on it. Sprinkle any cuts with cinnamon (make sure you don't get it on the roots or it will dry them out) and wait and see. Maybe support the top leaves to prevent it from flopping over. Something I've never tried (but heard it works) is to dissolve an aspirin tablet in a gallon of water and spritz it on the area. It triggers an immune response from the plant to fight the infection. Maybe you might want to experiment?
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Post by meateater on Aug 18, 2016 19:58:49 GMT -5
It's mostly a learning experience before I ask for cuttings from my friend's expensive (relatively speaking) orchid Besides, it was a gift, would like to do due diligence in saving it, not to mention the flower stalk. Not sure if I have aspirin lying around but will give that peroxide/cinnamon a try. Will update how it goes. Thanks!
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Post by carkin on Aug 19, 2016 8:10:59 GMT -5
Looking forward to hearing how it does!! Phals are great to learn with, they are not as fussy as others orchids. What type does your friend have? It looks like it could use a repot. Put in a pot just large enough to hold it roots snugly. I like the clear plastic orchid pots, and a orchid bark mix medium.
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Post by kawarthapine on Aug 19, 2016 12:27:27 GMT -5
A couple of observations from an orchid grower w twenty years experience:
- plant media is old and needs to be replaced. - repot plant w orchid mix and fill pot until media is almost flush with lowest leaf. - Black crowns usually denote rot caused by excessive water sitting between leaves. This will kill plants if not stopped immediately. - water the media but do not let water get in the crown of the plant Phals are low light plants so make sure it is grown in a window that does not expose plant to direct sun. - Feed lightly at 1/4 recommended dose every other week. On alternate weeks water with rain water or plain tap water.
If you have any other questions pm me.
Good luck!
Duncan
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