Root Rot in Phalaenopsis Needed repotting

[Wynn Dee13]

Well I'm glad you have a positive outlook! Even if it doesn't make it you will learn something from the experience so something good will come out of it either way.

[cythaenopsis]

I'm curious to get some opinions on my Phal that I nearly killed due to too much water and tightly packed moss that was past its usefulness.

Here's what the plant looks like:




The two healthy roots are aerial, so they weren't embedded in the moss and escaped the decay. I potted it in fresh loosely packed moss. Is that OK, or is the phal better off being suspended in a container over water, for the roots to grow back faster?

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by cythaenopsis

I'm curious to get some opinions on my Phal that I nearly killed due to too much water and tightly packed moss that was past its usefulness.

Here's what the plant looks like:




The two healthy roots are aerial, so they weren't embedded in the moss and escaped the decay. I potted it in fresh loosely packed moss. Is that OK, or is the phal better off being suspended in a container over water, for the roots to grow back faster?

I too have similar questions.

[Wynn Dee13]

I would put it in moss but I'm sure others will have their own opinions.

[RosieC]

I would use either bark or lecca, but really it's best to use what you are comfortable with.

Whatever you use the key for plenty of air and moisture. Lecca allows it to breathe well and recently I've been experimenting with using it to recover orchids but it needs to be kept moist. Bark that dries fast (a couple of days) and watering regularly has also worked for me in the past. Good moisture while plenty of air is what you are aiming for. Generally I advise a tiny pot to help achieve that.

Additionally luke warm water helps root growth and talk recently has been about seaweed extract also helping.

[cythaenopsis]

Interesting, I hadn't heard of lecca before. Some Japanese female vocalist chose that as her stage name, so when you search a lot of hits come up for her.

Is that seaweed extract you're talking about the KelpMax being sold by FirstRays?

[RosieC]

I can't get kelpmax here in the UK so have to use something else but Yes, if you can get kelpmax I would.

[Vanda lover]

I have used the method of soaking the roots and it does work. I have one that a neighbour gave me that looked as bad as the photos. I put it in s/h in lava rock after cleaning the roots up. So far it is looking good and it has been a few weeks.

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I have used the method of soaking the roots and it does work. I have one that a neighbour gave me that looked as bad as the photos. I put it in s/h in lava rock after cleaning the roots up. So far it is looking good and it has been a few weeks.

Hey VL, where can i find lava rock to buy to do s/h vase culture potting of Vandas.....off topic, but i am curious.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by CR7cristiano

Hey VL, where can i find lava rock to buy to do s/h vase culture potting of Vandas.....off topic, but i am curious.

Lava rock is usually easy to find. Here we buy it in Canadian tire. It's used as a landscape mulch. You could likely find it in home depot or other similar stores. I use the smallest pieces, smash them with a hammer if necessary and wash them well. Then soak them over night in water mixed with a little fertilizer and Super thrive if you have it.
It's much cheaper than many other mediums.