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I need help with my Vanilla Orchid

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by Bahareh, Oct 3, 2020.

  1. Oct 3, 2020 #1
    Bahareh

    Bahareh New Member

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    Hi everyone,

    Some of my vanilla's leaves started getting thinner in the past month. Then the leaves in the soil started to die, turning yellow and then black. Then 2 stems started to turn black. I am guessing it's root rot. Some aerial roots are dead too. It's pretty easy to tell the difference between healthy stems and their leaves, and the sick ones. But even the sick stems that have started to turn black from the roots upward, still have healthy leaves.
    Could you please help me with the problem? Is it okay to cut the rotted roots and plants the healthier parts in the same soil, so it would grow new roots?

    Regards,
    Bahareh

    image-20200930_150148.jpg image-20200930_150213.jpg image-20200930_145958.jpg 20201003_123505.jpg 20201003_123617.jpg
     
    J E likes this.
  2. Oct 4, 2020 #2
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Welcome to the forum.

    I would cut some of the top growth that still looks healthy and has good roots and pot it in fresh mix. Be sure to use a sterile tool or clean razor blade for each cut. Make sure that the cut stem doesn't have any black or discolored streaks in them. Keep the new ones isolated from the original plant.

    I see some white clusters near the base of the plant. I can't tell what they are.
     
  3. Oct 4, 2020 #3
    Bahareh

    Bahareh New Member

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    Thank you so much Marni.
    Would it be okay to use a mixture of african violet mix and orchid barks?
    Those white clusters, are some fluffy light sponge-like medium. I don't know what they are called but they were in the mix when I bought the plant.
     
  4. Oct 4, 2020 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I've never grown it, but a quick look at cultural notes makes me think that a violet mix with orchid bark should work. It does need very good drainage. Perhaps others with more experience can comment.

    I did come across the comment which might be of interest, "The cutting should be two to four inches long, including two to six nodes." Good luck.