orchid has a limp shrivelling leaf what to do? pic inside.

[Myst]

wow this is probably really bad... i don't know what I'm looking for but I have a feeling this plant is in bad shape.
I've repotted it into a much smaller pot.

here are some pictures of the roots i think they are all dead.
what should i do? cut them off or just leave them?
thanks for all the help guys.

[RosieC]

Thoose do look very very dried out and probably dead.

In the first pic a couple of very short bits look like they could still have some life in them maybe, even though they are brown.

If you gently squeeze them and they feel like a hollow papery skin over a hard thread then they are dead and I can't see that leaving them will help.

If they feel hard/solid I would leave them in the hope that there is still some life there.

It does not look like you will have many roots left though. When I've had Phals with only a few roots I have tried spraying the arial root(s) every few days to try and help the plant get seme moisture through that while new roots grow.

[RosieC]

Another couple of thoughts...

Are there holes in the new pot? It will be difficult to rescue it if there are no holes in the pot.

My inclination (although I could easily be wrong) is that it looks like those roots have died from being too dry rather than rotting from being too wet. How do you water it and how often?

[Myst]

Yes the new pot does have holes.
I will spray the new areal roots.

i water every 2 weeks. perhaps that is too long?

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by Myst

i water every 2 weeks. perhaps that is too long?

Way too long between waterings, Myst. You've got the plant in bark, correct? Plants in bark, probably need more frequent watering than any other medium used. Warmer months call for more frequent watering and not knowing the other conditions the plant is in, I would assume, that the plant needs watering at least once a week.

If I can recommend to you something a little unorthodox when it comes to Phal. care but I've noticed that when repotting a stressed Phal. with root damage, due to either too much or too little water...DON'T cut the roots away when doing a re-pot. I've noticed that they rebound much quicker when I leave everything alone....much different than doing a yearly cleanup after blooming for instance. This plant is stressed (though, not that bad yet for what the roots show). You've already potted it in a smaller container...that's a big plus. If you've got some SuperThrive or other rooting hormone, you can soak the entire plant (pot and all) overnight to encourage new root growth. If not, just begin a more frequent regimen of watering/feeding. Don't let it go beyond a week between watering. I have seen leaves fill out after they've begun to show stress but more likely, they'll stay the way they are now...not that terrible. You still have plenty of time to get it back in good shape!

Good luck!

[Myst]

aww thanks sandy, rosie and everyone... i'm soaking her right now.
thanks again.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If I can make a suggestion...

When potting, try not to bury part of the stem into the pot. It can cause more problems.

I recommend wetting the roots thoroughly and bending them away from the plant so that the only part of the Phal that's inside the pot and potting medium are the roots.

Maybe this will help you understand your plant better...

http://www.ibanorum.netfirms.com/Lundu-orchid190207.jpg

http://www.ibanorum.netfirms.com/Lun...hidB190207.jpg

http://www.ibanorum.netfirms.com/Lun...hidD190207.jpg

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I just had a thought.

I've heard of many people on the OB having success with clear plastic pots and it just popped into my head as to why I think that is.

Phalaenopsis roots have the ability to photosynthesize.

[shahrezsyed]

hey just see if the roots are dead by trying to by gently trying to remove the root covering(the velamen) if it removes very easily then the root is dead cut the spikes with the keikis! and soak it in superthrive and kln and pot into the smallest pot which can support the weight of the plant the smallest pot means like 5" diameter pot then DONOT WATER just mist it and of course...i forgot also apply a fungicide to the roots and where you've cut them then repot it into a small pot.then only water once a week when roots start to form.and dont worry it will utilize food in 1 or 2 of its leaves to make new roots and some more leaves WILL fall off.
shahrez
P.S:dont mind the confusing posts i just cant help it;/

[Myst]

ok yes i am really confused now. So i actually have to cut the stems with the spikes with the keikis off?
oh no!
i guess i should add that there are at least 3 living thriving airal roots that i can see.