white phalaenopsis in bloom partly black roots - need advice

[Vanicka]

Hi guys,

I'm super n00b with orchids but I think something is not right with my beauty. Maybe I will sound stupid, but I would really appreciate some advices.

I got an orchid half a year ago, google says that is white phalaenopsis (no idea, I bought it from supermarket because it was an love at first sight, two spikes and masive white flowers). She looks nice and healthy and started to bloom again but few days ago I noticed a wierd looking root (yellow - brownish) and today I found out that few other roots are partly black! I also noticed that one bottom leaf is starting to be brown/purple from the tip. Is it normal dying proces or is it connected to the root problems? New young leafs look still good.
- I'm not sure if its fungal or overwatering. If it's fungus I should replant but I'm not sure if it's good idea since she in bloom again. If it's water problem and tbe roots are roting should I just cut visible black ones off and reduce watering? What is the best solution in this situation? Should I act quickly or wait until flowers are gone?

I bought her in full bloom in August. During winter I reduced watering (from once in week to once in 10 days), but since march I'm back to once in 7 days. Watering by soaking in container for 30 minutes. It's an transparent plastic pot with holes on bottom (no holes on sides). After soaking I drain the remain water so she doesn't stand in water. No change in soil from the day I bought her (not sure but it looks like a wood bricks). I used a bit of fertilizer, small bottle of commercial feeder which should last 4 weeks but I was using it very slowely over 2 months (diluted few drops in water and soak as usual). Could this be a cause of black roots?

What are chances to 'get better' from black roots?

Thank you for help!

[Roberta]

First, Welcome! I moved this to the Beginner-discussion thread where it will get more attention.

That looks like a very healthy plant. The plant is potted in fairly large bark, a perfect medium for Phalaenopsis orchids. (These don't grow in soil) Roots look healthy. Losing a bottom leaf is normal. Force of nature. The newer leaves look great. If you choose to repot (always a good idea with new acquisitions anyway) you would want to use similar bark as your medium. You can repot a Phalaenopsis in bloom - they don't seem to care when they are repotted. I don't see the black roots, but it is possible that the oldest ones aren't in great shape. Taking it out of the pot and having a good look can help you make a better evaluation. Black soggy roots can be trimmed, especially since it appears that you have some very good roots. Or, you can just remove the outer part of those "not-so-good" roots, leaving the inner core, which helps the stability of the plant when repotted. You could also go to a slightly larger pot (not a lot) to accommodate new roots. But in general, looks like you are doing very well!.

[Afid]

It looks like it should recover just fine, it has some new roots growing in now. I would recommend repotting it soon though, the bark it is in looks to be pretty old and stale, which can cause it to hold on to water too long and suffocate (or rot) the roots (probably the reason some of them are turning black.

[charlesf6]

Welcome Vanicka!

[Vanicka]

Wow, so quick response! 😊 Thanks a lot, you gave me new hope!