Repotting Phal after root rot

[priz_m]

Hi guys! One of my phals survived root rot thanks to sphag-n-bag (I lost the other though ) but I had it in LECA because I wanted to repot it in s/h but, funny thing happened, it developed new roots but (and I know this sounds way to funny) I honestly believe my phal is allergic to LECA , none of the new roots grew into the media, they grew outwards the pot, so long story short, I took it out of the bag 2 days ago and I want to repot it in a bark mix, BUT it has the core of the old root system, now, this only affects the height of the pot I’ll use, my question is.. should I cut it? Please advise, thank you!

Priz

[Ross]

I wouldn't cut it. I would dust it with cinnamon then repot it. Don't be too energetic watering, though till you see more new roots. Just enough to wet the roots you can see, not the old stub. The reason I would leave the old stub for now (you can trim in the future) is to help support it while new roots develop.

[isurus79]

I think that I would cut it. Just a rule of mine, always cut off rotten parts, whether they are roots, p-bulbs, flowers, whatever. Rot only brings bad things. If you leave that big peice of dead phal on the plant when its potted, whats to stop it from continuing to rot and creep up the plant at a later date? I would cut it off below the two roots that point to the left in picture three (thus only cutting off one good root) and then treat with cinnamon or fungicide. Im pretty liberal with the shears and it seems to work for me!

[priz_m]

Thank you so much Ross & Steve . My very first instinct was to cut it off given the fact that all the old root mass is pitch black from rot, but it DOES need support to get settled in the new media, I’m telling you this phally doesn’t seem to like anything is been potted in and I refuse to lose this one… what I could do is “shave” the rotted nubbins that are left and treat with cinnamon, does it make sense?

[quiltergal]

Priz, you could always stake it until it establishes a good root system.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by priz_m

Thank you so much Ross & Steve . My very first instinct was to cut it off given the fact that all the old root mass is pitch black from rot, but it DOES need support to get settled in the new media, I’m telling you this phally doesn’t seem to like anything is been potted in and I refuse to lose this one… what I could do is “shave” the rotted nubbins that are left and treat with cinnamon, does it make sense?

I would chop off eveything that is black. If its black or dark brown, its not contributing to the plant. It looks like you have 3 or 4 good roots left and that is probably enough to sustain the plant until it grows new ones. As far as a media to pot it in.....spag!! It seemed to respond well to the spag n bag treatment, so why not pot it in its preferred media? If your worried about over watering, plant it in a clay pot, plastic pot with big holes cut in the side or even a basket. and post pics with what you do!

PS Terri has a good idea with the staking. Just keep it away from anything that will disturb the plant (strong wind, cats, etc).

[priz_m]

yeah I think I will cut back as much as is needed, thank you Terri for the staking suggestion, and you too Steve! although I am afraid of moss because of the overwatering that started this I guess I do have to go with what my litle one likes. You guys rock!

PS Another question, even though I lost another phally to root rot (actually everything inside the bag went mushy) I recovered the same part I'm trying to cut off this one but is not rotted actually it has 2 pale green nubbins wannabes. has anyone ever attempted to bring one back after sooo much? BTW I have it sitting in LECA with KNL, waiting...

[Don Perusse]

I have a friend whom I help in his g/h and he has about 500 plus phals. When we re-pot and the roots look like yours, I say CUT IT OFF. He is 94 and been growing phals for years. I listen to him very wisely! I agree with Steve on this one. Good luck.

[priz_m]

Thank you guys for your advice! Quick update... I cut it off, and repotted in a bark and LECA mixture, I think I went a bit big on the pot size 'cause the bark is drying out quickly, so... i will layer some moss (while I get clear pots... so hard to get!), hopefully that will keep it moister... and it can do something, like give me a new root or leaf... is been kind of doing nothing

Will keep you posted...

[priz_m]

UPDATE... my phal went back in the bag, I have no idea why but it lost 2 roots, they were dissecated so I soaked it last night in KLN and... bagged it, I'm telling you my phal doesn't like anything, i tried moss, bark and LECA by themselves and separate... any ideas what I could do?

Thank you guys!

Priz