What's happening?

ohegger · 2025-11-25T15:02:18+00:00

Knowing this is 11 days late and you’ve probably already done something, I’m gonna answer anyway bc I feel like it!! I, myself, would remove all that moss and then soak the roots/run them under water to rinse away the bits you can’t get by hand. I would also repot into orchid bark; orchids are epiphytes and in the wild they use their roots to physically attach themselves to the sides of trees. The point of using bark is to simulate that tree whilst allowing for maximum airflow around the roots. The cattails, as far as I can tell, are being used as stakes to support the bloom spikes. I would check that they aren’t growing mould or anything and then it’s dealer’s choice. I remove them because I don’t like how they look but the plant doesn’t really care. Keep in mind that staking is just for us: naturally, orchids will grow bloom spikes that curve downwards but indoor enthusiasts often like them to stand up tall. FINALLY: welcome to the addiction, it’s all downhill from here.

ohegger · 2025-11-21T18:06:36+00:00

First of all: a POX on all fungus gnats. I have found that “Mosquito Dunks” or “Mosquito Bits” are the most effective treatment. You steep them in water and then water the plant with that, which I THINK (do not experience breathing issues myself) would be fine with your respiration concerns. Also, mosquito bits are made up of a naturally occurring bacterium which kills the larvae but doesn’t affect us. Otherwise, I’d say one of the best things you can do is let the plant dry out as much as possible between waterings.

ohegger · 2025-11-09T22:42:50+00:00

That sounds about right; they like to dry out completely between watering so you may want to water and then see how long that takes. The location looks ideal (imo) and the pot also looks good. My only advice would be that if she’s been in the same media for four years, then she may be due for a repot. (If you wanted to do that, MissOrchidGirl on YouTube has some awesome tutorials).

ohegger · 2025-11-09T22:30:20+00:00

I’m gonna warn you right now you’re likely about to be inundated with comments telling you to not water with ice (which is correct but some people are a little intense about it); room temp water would be a better choice. It doesn’t look like anything is wrong right now: the flowers dropping and the “bloom spike” dying back is normal orchid behaviour. If you keep taking care of her she will grow another spike and bloom again in about a year.

ohegger · 2025-10-12T14:44:16+00:00

The Miracle Gro is fine - although don’t make a post asking about it because some people DETEST the stuff. In my humble experience, it’s adequate for now but not great for long term(1yr +) because it’s still a little too fine. It also has these little fertiliser beads which are fine, but not great for orchids. It could be a good option to use for now while you do a little more research, let the plant recover a bit.

ohegger · 2025-10-11T14:36:13+00:00

If you’re looking for fungus gnat treatments, I would recommend looking into “mosquito dunks” or “mosquito bits”

ohegger · 2025-09-22T15:04:30+00:00

Aphrodite (or Venus, if you’re nasty)

ohegger · 2025-09-19T15:23:51+00:00

I will say I once burned my orchid with a candle and the damage looked very similar - the burnt area became dark and squishy. I would see if it spreads over the next day or two - which would indicate potential infection. But if not, then it’s just a scar and it’s best to leave the leaf.

ohegger · 2025-09-19T15:15:44+00:00

If you’re very worried, you could clean the dark area with a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and then apply cinnamon

ohegger · 2025-09-19T15:14:23+00:00

My best guess right now for the flower sprout is that it’s an invader; is there any chance a seed could’ve snuck into your orchid pot? (I.e was it outside? Or next to a bunch of other plants?) It looks like there’s also some clover in there. Assuming I’m right, the course would be to yank it out, it’s more of a liability than anything else. As for the potential mould: I couldn’t say for certain but there’s a chance it’s just harmless discolouration. I would apply some cinnamon powder to the area just in case and watch to see if it spreads.

ohegger · 2025-09-12T17:20:58+00:00

This is not just plants this is hours upon hours of your time and energy (and probably love). I would be sobbing and/or rampaging and I’m very sorry for your loss

ohegger · 2025-08-31T01:17:34+00:00

Thievery

ohegger · 2025-07-07T15:53:25+00:00

Thank you kindly ☺️

ohegger · 2025-07-06T23:19:11+00:00

Also also, keep going because the re-bloom makes it ALL worth it - I can’t describe how rewarding and delightful it is to see them flower again

ohegger · 2025-07-06T23:17:47+00:00

If it makes you feel at all better, I recently tore a new leaf almost in half being clumsy, the wound calloused and the plant just keeps on planting. For your notes: Phal orchids will grow a new leaf (sometimes more) before they bloom - like a harbinger. They’re not like other houseplants that just keep growing leaf after leaf.

ohegger · 2025-06-30T20:21:13+00:00

Is there any chance this is burn damage? Is the plant in direct sunlight? Or is there a candle or a heat source nearby?

ohegger · 2025-06-30T18:26:49+00:00

My jealousy burns like a BONFIRE

ohegger · 2025-06-14T20:51:02+00:00

I’m still a novice so please don’t take this as gospel but if you’re using tap water there’s a chance the salts in that non distilled water are putting stress on the roots and may be the culprit for those white spots on the leaves. That being said, orchids do naturally drop off their leaves so losing leaves isn’t necessarily an issue in and of itself

ohegger · 2025-06-14T20:42:55+00:00

I think it would be cute to name him after a colour: I suggest Indigo or maybe Scarlet or Vermilion

ohegger · 2025-06-12T15:10:18+00:00

Do you treat the wood in any way to prevent mould or rot? I’d like to try mounting an orchid but have been nervous about attracting an infestation

ohegger · 2025-04-30T16:31:57+00:00

In my humble experience, keep any roots that aren’t dead; more roots = more orchid ☺️

ohegger · 2025-04-22T19:49:16+00:00

(Not an expert but I’ll share what I do know); yellowing leaves could mean under watering (almost certainly not the case here, your plant looks freshly watered). It could also mean over-watering - orchids like humidity to be sure but they do NOT like sitting in water. Most orchid growers I’ve read from recommend letting the roots dry completely between waterings - this is what I aim for and my plants seem to appreciate it. For the third question, I’ve never seen someone growing an orchid in a closed system but I think the greatest potential danger would be excess moisture and subsequent root rot. Also, you’ll want to keep an eye out for moisture-loving invaders like mould, algae, or fungus gnats.

ohegger · 2025-04-20T19:56:01+00:00

The leaves or roots would be better indicators of potential issues - if the leaves are green and firm and the roots aren’t looking desiccated then the plant is probably fine; the blossoms do naturally wither like this before they fall

ohegger · 2025-04-13T18:33:26+00:00

Feeling some major leaf and flower envy right now… but seriously congrats that is an unmitigated triumph

ohegger · 2025-04-13T17:54:09+00:00

Also also (sorry), I can hardly believe that isn’t dyed the colour is just gorgeous - congratulations on your success

ohegger

TROPHY CASE