Growing new roots?

[ThisIsPhoenix]

So to start things off I am new to the forum, and I'm really excited to see what help I can get from here.

I've done a lot of researching lately on stimulating root growth. I am currently using the "sphag-in-bag" technique on a phal, currently recovering from root rot, with very few roots (one solid 3 inch healthy root and three of four 1 inch roots). I am also using the same technique on six vanda seedlings that I just got yesterday.

Now this all leads up to my question... I am one of those impatient growers that wants to see change immediately, but I was wondering about how long it takes for new roots to start growing.

[Carpe Diem]

Hi Phoenix and to the OB. You'll learn lots from the nice people here. I am a newbie and one of the first things I've learned on the OB is, that patience is needed, when trying to grow orchids.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome.
Why are you using sphag-n-bag on the phal with roots? You would probably get more growth by potting the plant and giving it some KLN (root hormone) and warmth. Sphag-n-bag is usually for the rootless, the idea that it keeps the humidity high so the plant doesn't lose all moisture so it can develop roots. This can take months. Patience, patience, patience
Joann

[ThisIsPhoenix]

I put the phal in a bag because it has so few roots. The longest root is the only one that didn't have any rot. The leaves are kinda limp and wrinkled, so I was trying to coax some new root growth. I take it out of the bag once a day to soak what is left of the roots in a SuperThrive solution for about 15 minutes.

And the vandas? I forgot to mention I got them dry root if that makes any difference.

For all of them, I lightly dusted the roots in a rooting hormone powder. Both of them have heat lamps on their bags to raise the temperature and help with the humidity. And I'm open to any more suggestions on the conditions I have them in.

[Orchid126]

Soaking the roots once a day in SuperThrive is not a good idea. Once a week or so or even once a month might be better. SuperThrive is very powerful stuff.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Ray]

Get that rooting hormone powder off the roots!!!

It is WAY too strong for orchids, and will poison the roots, not stimulate growth.


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[Bud]

go easy on the big guns(chemicals and hormones)...you may want to read some of the postings of the members regarding reviving it

[ThisIsPhoenix]

Ray: I thought that rooting hormone powder was for/could be used on orchids? Is it a problem that I used it or will they be fine with it off now? They had it on for about 36 hours before I rinsed them.

Orchid126: Thanks for the help. I'd only done it twice and was getting around to doing it again today when I got your message. Just in time. lol

[silken]

Welcome to OB! A lot of the powder rooting hormones are too strong for orchid roots and seems to set them back, rather than help. The one that seems to get the thumbs up by many is a liquid called K-L-N made by Dyna-Gro. It is fairly easy to find I think. I use it whenever I have a bare root purchase or one that is struggling with root problem. Superthrive is supposed to have some kind of rooting hormone as well as b vitamins as far as I know, so you may have already given it enough root stimulation between the S.T. and the powder.

[Ray]

"Silk" nailed it.

Plants' roots are pretty sensitive. The powdered rooting hormones are intended to expose rootless cuttings, inducing root growth in places where there are no traces of root cells whatsoever.

Most powders run in the neighborhood of 0.25% rooting hormone. The liquids recommended for application to roots are typically half that or less, but are supposed to be significantly diluted for application.

K-L-N, for example, if used as a soak at 1 teaspoon per gallon, gives you a hormone concentration of 0.0006%, and if used as a fertilizer additive at a drop per gallon, it's 0.0000025%.

That means that by exposing the roots to the powder, you applied 100,000x as much!