Promoting new root growth?

[zazz]

I was away at university and got my mom to look after my orchids. She thought continually watering them was key and now my Cattleya and Phal have root rot. How can I help them restore some healthy roots before they parish?

[dounoharm]

repot! trim the dead rotten root off and repot in dry bark....keep em dry, dont water em till you see new root growth...hope the leaves have enuf stored energy to take them to regrowth. you can try applying a root growth hormone also, but it remains the strength of the plant that will or will not pull em thru.

[Ross]

Trim away the rot. The old backbulbs rarely grow new roots on the Cats. Phals will gow new roots when they get around to it. Repot into new medium that has been soaked in KLN solution mixed as per the label for transplanting. Dry off the old roots (whatever remains.) Sprinkle some generic cinnamon on the cut ends of the roots (or use a q-tip). Let sit overnight to be sure they are dry. Place in pots with new mix that has been treated with KLn and hold down with wire clips designed for this process such as Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies Rhizome clips. I've made my own from twist tie material on occasion. The idea is to hold the plant so it won't move in the pot. If there are any viable roots at all, then they may take over and even grow side roots (Phals sometimes do this). But with Cats you are waiting for the new growths to mature to the point where new roots appear. If there are no viable roots at all, then I would place the repotted plant in a plastic bag to hold some humidity. Watch for mold growth, though. Others probably will have some better advice.

[zazz]

I read on the internet you should keep them cool. But how cool is too cold? 15c degrees?

[Ray]

Actually, cool is exactly the wrong way to go. Warmth, shade, and humidity are the keys to recovery.

Read this: Root Rot Recovery

[maitaman]

Careful! Cinnamon inhibits root growth in many orchids!
You can dissolve a vitamin B1 tablet in water and use it every third day, lightly. B1 initiates root growth in most plants.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by maitaman

You can dissolve a vitamin B1 tablet in water and use it every third day, lightly. B1 initiates root growth in most plants.

I've not heard of using B1 before. I might try that on mine as I've tried everything else. It currently has enough roots to keep the remaining 3 small leaves firm (that's two shortish roots) but does not seem inclined to grow more.