Phal leaves turning colors

[sheiman]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I've found the link for Sphag-n-bag

Sphag-n-Bag

Thanks for the link Rosie, I may just chalk this one up as my first casualty and a learning experience. I have a second phal that's looking good so I just need to inspect its roots too.

I appreciate everyones' help!

[RosieC]

It would be a good idea to check the roots of your other one. It's a lot easier to save an orchid with bad roots if the plant is healthy still, unfortunately we often don't spot there is a root problem until the plant starts showing signs of it.

As has been said above, take care not to get water in the crown of your other one. If you do then a bit of paper towel can be used to remove it.

Also don't water on a set schedule, if you can put it in a clear pot then that can help judge when to water. If the roots (right down to the bottom) are visible then you can water when they turn silvery and if they are still green you know not to water yet. If you don't have a clear pot try using a wodden skewer pushed in to the medium. If it is damp/cold on your cheek when you pull it out, then it is not time to water yet.

[learning2letgo]

Best of luck in saving your orchid... I save a cattleya that looked worst than that, so don't get discouraged. You won't see results overnight, but you can make the venture to save this one if you so decide.

I'd snip away the mushy brown roots, pour some household peroxide over the remaining roots to dry out any water-rot that could be remaining and then let it drain off for about fifteen minutes.

Then give Rosie's sphag-n-bag method a shot! Good luck!

[Mastiff]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I've found the link for Sphag-n-bag

Sphag-n-Bag

Great link Rosie! I can only add that someone as an emergency measure uses to to drench the survived roots with a liquid hormon (in Italy we ve got one called 66F, but I know of one in USa colled something like Dip 'n Grow), let it dry for half an hour or so and then go with the sphag-n-bag. I haven't use it myself, but it sounds like a good idea when the situation is nearly desperate.

[sheiman]

I'll definitely check the roots of my other orchid. I need to get some clear pots for my orchids to make this a little easier.

[sheiman]

Originally Posted by learning2letgo

Best of luck in saving your orchid... I save a cattleya that looked worst than that, so don't get discouraged. You won't see results overnight, but you can make the venture to save this one if you so decide.

I'd snip away the mushy brown roots, pour some household peroxide over the remaining roots to dry out any water-rot that could be remaining and then let it drain off for about fifteen minutes.

Then give Rosie's sphag-n-bag method a shot! Good luck!

To snip the roots do I need to use a sterile razor blade for each one? I read on the AOS site that you should use one when you cut a flower spike.

[Zoi2]

You don't need a sterile razor blade for each root. Just use a sterile razor blade or scissors.
Joann

[learning2letgo]

I have a pair of bonsai snippers that I use to snip away and trim only my orchids. After each use, I wash them in antibacterial soap under scalding water and then I flame the blade with a lighter for good measure. You don't want to pass around the germs