[Q:] "This orchid... had lavender flowers and green leaves at the time... Within the last couple of months, the flowers fell off, and the leaves slowly yellowed and dropped off. I had transplanted it to a larger pot and applied some orchid-specific fertilizer. Even though I watered it regularly, the plant is now a series of erect tan shoots. I think I see some green behind the dry tan covering. Is there any hope for this plant?
[A:] appears to be a Dendrobium... Even the bare canes of deciduous orchids look green and plump. Yours look, well, dead. ... the dark bases and grayish color of the canes... It probably was kept too wet when it wasn't growing and the roots died.... orchids should be watered most when they're actively growing - in the summer when they aren't flowering - and not watered much when they're in bloom. Repotting also could have contributed to its demise, as orchids should never be repotted when they're flowering [are there exceptions to that rule ?]. ... decorative moss on your plant might have prevented air from getting to the soil [?], keeping it soggy and contributing to the root rot. Although there is a small green shoot growing from the plant, unfortunately, it's no reason for optimism. The canes are brown at the soil line. It's not coming back." URL : http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-j5565850feb07,0,7210015.column *************** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
