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Can these orchids possibly make it?

13 years ago

Between last September and late March, I had a health condition that resulted in minus zero energy or caring about anything.

During that time, the potted orchids got watered either 5 or 6 times. The mounted orchids got watered maybe 3 times - maybe just twice.

In late March, when I could bear to go in the orchid room, most everything was still green.

After I pitched the clearly deceased and Kevin'd more that hadn't done anything when they *were* getting watered, the collection had gone from 60+ to 40.

All 40 are now repotted and have new leaves, new roots, new growths, or a combo. Almost all lost quite a few roots. The Maxillaria tenuifolia is blooming, and a species Phal and Pleurothallis have spiked since being repotted.

It seems impossible that these orchids could make it. Yes, they can take a long, long time to look distressed and then die. Is it possible they've survived???? Am I watering corpses?

Anyone with a similar experience?

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Comments (7)

quinnfyre
13 years ago
I'm thinking it is possible. This did happen over the winter, where there is less light and less water, generally, so maybe they all just went into semi dormant or resting mode. I feel that if new growth and blooming is happening, they must have decided to stick around.

Glad you are feeling better : )
orchidnick
13 years ago
If you got new growth and new roots, the plant should make it regardless of the condition of the leaves.

Nick
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stitzelweller
13 years ago
some orchids THRIVE on neglect, especially species Oncidiums. Many Oncidium species need to look like crap by the end of winter in order to rock 'n' roll during the coming growing season. my guess is that there are many others which benefit from this sort of treatment.

above all, enjoy what you have!

--Stitz--
terpguy
13 years ago
Entirely possible. Last year from Jan to may, while I was doing teacher training and internships, I had not time and watered all my plants maybe once. They all made it through just fine, even the mounties. They'll be just fine.
Sheila
13 years ago
Hey, so happy to hear that you are doing better! Always light at the end of the tunnel, just sometimes difficult to make ourselves hang in there!

You now know which of your 'kids are the survivors...these are the best to have in your collection. At my age, I can't afford to keep anything that needs continual pampering. Congrats on the bloomers/spikers and welcome back.

Sheila :)
whitecat8
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks y'all. I had no idea this survival rate was even a speck of a possibility.

The 35 that made it:

14 Phals/Dtps.
6 Dens, 1 mounted & 3 Den moniliformes
3 Neos
3 Encyclias, 2 mounted
1 Ghost orchid
1 Maxillaria
1 Coelogyne, mounted
1 Ctsm
1 Cyc
1 Angraecum, mounted
1 Trichoceros, mounted
1 Pleuro, mounted
1 Miltoniopsis, maybe survived

DH says I'm busted - no more moaning the orchids "have" to be watered *right now* or bad things will happen. I'll just remind him of the 35 or so that didn't make it. Heh heh.

Thanks again, WC8
chickadeedeedee
13 years ago
Hi WC. :-)

I just now saw your post. Orchids are amazingly forgiving! Just ask mine that survived not being watered from September to ... ohhhhh ... maybe January sometime?

Yes some died of my neglect. Others were ravaged by the little gang of Cockateil hoodlems that made the great escape and ~trimmed~ many spikes and leaves of the various plants. :-/

I took the orchids outside today so they can bask in the sunshine and humidity Nature offers. I'm sure yours will recover and look even better than before! It will take some time but they'll do OK.

Glad to hear you're doin' OK too. :-)

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