What to do with my phal roots

[MackinzieQuinn]

As title says, I’m not sure how to help my phal. The roots seem to be rotting and need advice on how to save it. There is also some black spots on the underside of the leaves, not sure what that is.

[estación seca]

Those roots don't look too bad. I would not cut off any roots. The leaf spot isn't something I'd worry about. Repot into the smallest pot that holds the roots, with medium to large bark. Keep it warm, and water by soaking it in a water bath once a week. Read a sticky thread here: click on Forums in the left yellow menu, then Beginners. Near the top look for The Phal abuse stops here.

[MackinzieQuinn]

Thanks, I’ve read it all. Many of the roots are stringy though, should I cut them? They’re clearly dead.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Even if the volume looks dead, the inner core if the root can be taking moisture up into the plant. Take ES's advice and don't cut them. He really does know what he's talking about.

[early]

As a rank beginner of less than two years, i disagree with the above advise. If they are clearly dead and mushy brown, remove with fingers, flush with water but leave the string internal root for stability in the pot. I grow all my phals and other orchids in LECA mainly because It is easy, clear pots and flush with 1/8th 20 20 20 orchid mix fertilizer. I am in an arid climate, and all except 2 of my 20+ are doing well and about a dozen are reblooming for the first time. This is my formula for saving Phals. The ones that are not doing well, with dehyrated leaves and few good roots, I am patiently watching and hoping they will survive. I did not look carefully enough this winter/spring when I bought with beautiful blooms but a week later discovered the poor root rot, which I removed and kept hydrated for a couple of week with the vase method. Now all repotted into fresh LECA and slowly recovering.