Can I save this Phalaenopsis or is it too far gone? If it can be saved, please let me know how!
Right now it has just a few roots showing any signs of growth (shown in photos). For context, I had it in a larger pot and it suffered a lot of root rot. I trimmed away those roots a few months ago. The remaining roots sat on the top of the potting soil and have seemed constantly dry. I repotted it today in this small pot. It's leaves are soft/limp. I'm wondering what I can do to save it or if it's too far gone. I live in the northeast and it's on a small table next to an eastern-ish facing window. I have a small humidifier to run next to my plants for the winter too. I also own Ray's KelpMax
The plant actually looks pretty good. And it is starting to grow new roots. Pot it up and leave it alone. Search the forum for Kelpak, it may help the rooting process. The new mix will dry very fast, so do be sure to keep the plant watered.
Thank you Roberta, you've provided me with great guidance over many years!
I was worried about this orchid because its existing roots just seemed to keep getting drier and drier. I had it in a much larger pot before and the potting material seemed to never dry out. I just put it in this much smaller pot. I'll look at the Kelpak posts. Hopefully this orchid just needs more time for those roots to grow.
Be patient. Orchids don't do anything fast. But I see green root tips. It is important to pot it so it doesn't wobble (use a stake or two if necessary) so that the new roots have a chance to grow. Any motion can damage those tender little root tips.
I would be potting it deeper so the newly emerging roots are below the media, or right at the very top. Air roots can be beneficial to a phal, but you’ll want to get the new roots into the medium asap. Shorten the distance to the goal. It also helps stabilize the plant, which Roberta already mentioned.
Thank you! I put it in the much smaller pot so the emerging roots are now below the medium. I've also stabilized it and followed the kelpak advice in other threds so fingers crosse this one is on the road to recovery!