New Potting Technique, Root Health

[Douglas Scanlan]

I have been experimenting with a potting technique I thought of, using transparent glass floral stones in a wire basket. My intention is to create an environment for the roots more like their natural habitat- light exposure for the roots, open air flow, and the ability air dry after watering within one or two days- just like in the wild if the roots were rained on. The first pic I have attached here is of the potted plant so you can see what I am describing. I have to water much more frequently this way since the glass retains no moisture, but also my apartment is at 70% humidity. I water at least every other day.
Here is the problem: My roots are not doing well. One of my Phals potted this way finally lost its blossoms (after 6 months!) so today I cut the spike and pulled the roots out of the glass to inspect them. The last three pics I attached here are of the roots before clean up, and after clean up, as well as a close up fo the dead clippings. I am baffled because I don't understand how the roots could have rotted in this potting system and I'm not even certain that rotting is the problem. The problem roots look more like they are dry and withered rather than rotten, but they were cerainly exposed to plenty of moisture. Can anyone tell from these photos what the problem really is?

[Zoi2]

Using the glass does make a pretty potted plant, and I can see the ease in watering etc.
For my I wonder if the glass is just too heavy for the roots and for real air circulation.
What was the plant potted in before and what were your roots doing? If you did not have new root growth when you changed the growing media, you may not have had enough roots to acclimate to the new media.
Joann

[Des]

Douglas I had similar problems when experimenting with smaller glass beads , my thoughts were that the glass was somehow poisoning the root system by giving off some chemical . I was never quite able to figure out the problem and scrapped the idea in favor of CHC

[Douglas Scanlan]

Originally Posted by Des

Douglas I had similar problems when experimenting with smaller glass beads , my thoughts were that the glass was somehow poisoning the root system by giving off some chemical . I was never quite able to figure out the problem and scrapped the idea in favor of CHC

Thanks, and what is CHC?

[Des]

Originally Posted by Douglas Scanlan

Thanks, and what is CHC?

Coconut husk chips

[Douglas Scanlan]

I see. You like that more than fir bark?

[Des]

Originally Posted by Douglas Scanlan

I see. You like that more than fir bark?

Yes I find that it does not hold salts , is easy to rewet if left to dry , does not compete with the plant for nitrogen , does not breakdown for at least 2 years and best of all does not harbor pathogens easily . I find that the root systems of my plants are altogether a lot healthier growing in CHC .
Its disadvantages are that you must control the ph of your feed water as CHC takes on the ph of the feed water very quickly. Also if you buy it in block form it must be processed before use, as the manufacturers use salt as a preservative for shipping to other countries.

[orchids3]

Love CHC myself (mixed with Stalite or hydraton).
What was the pH of whatever your water fertilizer mix? If its acid it will kill the roots. Just an idea.
You can use vinegar for herbicide - because of the acidity.

[Leisurely]

Someone said in this thread that Phalaenopsis do not like to dry out. I have large plants that have aerial roots that hang down three feet under the bench. The plants get watered once per week and they are quite happy. I believe that your dead root are from too much water.

[musicloveranthony]

I think it will be a waiting game If you change the growing media, the roots that had acclimated to a different environment will be less able, or unable, to thrive in the new setting. The older roots will die, but the plant will eventually put out new roots that will function in whatever environment their exposed to (within reason, of course). If you've mounted a potted plant, you'll know what I mean. The old roots that were never exposed to light, nor (for all realistic intents) air flow die off, but new roots grow in after a few months and will be properly suited to the new environment.

Don't give up, just yet It looks like there are some bright green happy new roots!