This orchid plant was given to my wife in 2006. It had lavender flowers and green leaves at the time and was thriving. 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? Stuart Koenig, East Northport
Your orchid appears to be a Dendrobium, and oftentimes people worry their plant is dead when it simply has lost its leaves, much like a maple tree would. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case with your orchid. Even the bare canes of deciduous orchids look green and plump. Yours looks, well, dead.
I shared your photo with Maria Mucaria Stankowski of the Long Island Orchid Society, who noted the dark bases and grayish color of the canes. "It probably was kept too wet when it wasn't growing and the roots died," she said, explaining that 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. It's best to repot in the spring.
In addition, the 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 excitement. The canes are brown at the soil line. It's not coming back. Sorry.
