Phal roots help, please - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 03-21-2009, 03:21 PM

Hi,
Yesterday when I bought a Den, I also bought a Phal. I am in the process of repotting my new Phal now. I have photos attached of the roots, but the pictures are not good...I apologize. It's the best I could do at the time, though. Even so, hopefully you can see enough to help me with my question, which is: If a root growing from the stem is healthy, but farther down the root has rot.....and then farther down from that is healthy to the end, what should I do when trimming? Should I remove the entire root (since there is rot in one section), or trim from the rotted area to the end (even though the end is healthy)? If not, where?

Also, as you can see, I haven't finished rinsing the old sphag from the roots.....but after I do this, should I soak them in Physan 20, peroxide or something else, and THEN trim the roots.....OR should I trim the roots THEN soak it in something.....or not soak it at all? If you advise treating the roots with a solution, what do you suggest I use for a fungicide?

I know there is most likely a simplier, easier to understand and less wordy way to compose my question to you.....but I am rushing around in a hurry (which is quite common for me lol).....and I don't have the time to compose my post better.....I'm sorry.

I would very much appreciate your advise.
Thank you in advance,
Vicki

Pilot · #2 03-21-2009, 03:27 PM

Vicki--

I'm quite new to this myself--so I haven't a good answer for you but I'm interested in this myself. I repotted all of my phals today that I got the other day and didn't have much trimming to do-- thank goodness! However, I am interested in the idea of a root being healthy, then rotted at some point and then again healthy. If my memory serves me correctly, there is an inner component of the root that could very well be fine the entire length through-- so I would definitely wait until someone more knowledgeable comes along to answer this question, as I think the root should be fine.

I didn't soak or dip my plants in anything during my repotting-- I'm beginning to think I should have-- but the plants seemed quite healthy.

Good luck-- I look forward to an update.

Ryan

RosieC · #3 03-22-2009, 06:48 AM

I wondered the same thing last time I repotted and I'm still not sure the answer.

As Ryan said there is an inner core to the root, in fact the root is actually that inner core and the fleshy part (there is a proper name for it but I can't remember) holds water next to it.

I think that if the root (inner core) is intact it will carry water from the lower part up to the plant.

Again I'm not sure and as I have another one to repot soon I would like to know if anyone else knows the answer.

tuvoc · #4 03-22-2009, 11:40 AM

The roots of many of my plants get really dry and dead looking, especially this time of year, and then suddenly pop out a new green growing tip, and take of again. As long as it isn't really soft and mushy, I'd leave it as is. Also, I've never soaked my plants in anything but water, just to loosen the roots up a bit.

Kim

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 03-22-2009, 11:44 AM

The outer part of the roots is called velamin. The actual root is the inner stringy part of the root system.

I think the roots look fine and you should leave them alone.

VickiC · #6 03-22-2009, 04:00 PM

Hi King,
I was concerned that the intermittent amount of rot on some of the roots would be bad to leave.....just thought the rot might spread if not removed

so, thanks for your advice.

Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

The outer part of the roots is called velamin. The actual root is the inner stringy part of the root system.

I think the roots look fine and you should leave them alone.

Blondie · #7 03-22-2009, 05:13 PM

When I first looked at my phal roots, I also had a few "strings" in between longer yellowish/blackish bits that I thought were rot. Then I saw REAL rot. Trust me, you can tell when it's dead and rotting. It's NOT pretty. I've done it on accident a few times.

I think your roots look good, but I totally agree with checking. I hope this brings you some assurance. My phals with those roots are still alive and kicking.

VickiC · #8 03-23-2009, 01:29 PM

Thank you for your help, Blondie.
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blondie

When I first looked at my phal roots, I also had a few "strings" in between longer yellowish/blackish bits that I thought were rot. Then I saw REAL rot. Trust me, you can tell when it's dead and rotting. It's NOT pretty. I've done it on accident a few times.

I think your roots look good, but I totally agree with checking. I hope this brings you some assurance. My phals with those roots are still alive and kicking.