Question

My sickly Orchard   QUESTION: Hello, I sent you an email on my orchard on 9/27, but I haven't seen a reply yet.  I wanted to give you an update and some pictures.  All the leaves have fallen off now, and the flowers are starting to fall off.  I am so bummed as I just got this plant.  Any help or advice will be appreciated.  I have never had an orchard before.  Thank you!

ANSWER: Hello Denise,

Thanks for the photo with the leafs and blooms.  From the areas of discoloration on the leafs, it looks like there may be a bacterial infection causing the problem.  Unfortunately, once an orchid is infected like yours, there is not much you can do to save it.  

I am not sure if it was infected before or after you bought it as bacterial infections can spread fairly quickly through an orchid plant.  Before buying your next orchid, be sure to look at the leafs to make sure there are no obvious signs of something not being right, the leafs should all have the same color and appearance.  

That is a nice photo of your daughter and son, they are almost as beautiful as my grandchildren!  (grin)  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If I transplant the orchard could I save it that way?

Answer
Hello Denise,

I apologize once again for taking so long to respond to your question, unfortunately my mother has been hospitalized and I've been running back and forth to monitor her care.  

Transplanting or repotting what is left of your orchid might save it but I have to tell you that chances are that it already is too far gone as evidenced by the leafs falling off.  

If you want to try repotting it, I'd say go ahead as you do not have anything to lose by doing it.  

Again, I apologize for the delay.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.