Another Phal rescue - what do you think of these roots? - Orchid Board

redperphexion · #1 09-14-2009, 08:39 PM

Fingers crossed guys...

I went in to find another orchid that might curb my frustration with growing them. I was sadly disappointed.

This one had a clearish pot with good drainage inside another dark pot, so I was able to see bright green roots with pale healthy-looking tips through it. I thought I was in luck.

I wanted her our of moss and into bark chips, and when I pulled her out, things didn't look good. Mind you, this one looks better than my first two, so I have some hope, but I'm not holding my breath.

I'm particularly worried about the roots that look healthy at the ends, but have bends or breaks further up the root that are darker green to brownish in colour. Will these roots come back, or should I just lop them off above the break in hopes they'll bud out a new shoot?

Any ideas on how to proceed?

RosieC · #2 09-15-2009, 04:15 AM

Well I've seen (and rescued) far far worse.

Personally I would leave all of those. Give it a rince in a mixture of listerine and water, followed by a rince in plain water, then pot back up and hope for the best.

I think with care this one should make it. I like to water with luke warm water as I think it encorages new root growth.

Norton · #3 09-15-2009, 10:13 PM

I agree with Rosie. I would leave them alone and pot it up. With the right care this Phal can rebound. I was in the same position several months ago. My Phal roots went from sphagnum moss to a bark mix as well. The roots have seemingly tripled in quantity. One thing you might want to try is Superthrive. It can help speed the process a little. My Phal grew all those roots, held its blooms and now has about 2 inches of new leaf growing. Keep at it and success will come!

redperphexion · #4 09-15-2009, 10:21 PM

Thanks, guys!!!

seamonkey · #5 09-15-2009, 11:08 PM

Those roots look good.

camille1585 · #6 09-16-2009, 03:36 AM

The root system looks to be overall in very good shape. Don't worry about the bent or cracked roots. It's only the velamen of the root which is damaged. Your roots wouldn't have good growing tips if the true root (stringy thing in the middle of the root) had been damaged. So I would just leave those roots as they are.

flowerpower · #7 09-16-2009, 05:27 AM

I've been researching this a lot lately. It's my understanding that those are healthy roots. I just lightly squeeze the tips of the root. It's very obvious when you should cut the roots, because they are watery and slip off. If they are not rotten, pot them up and keep an eye on them when you re-pot say, in one or two years, or whenever is necessary.

I have found from re-potting my orchids that no two roots are the same in shape/colour. I think it depends where they are in the pot and if they are aerial roots or deeper in the mixture.

dounoharm · #8 09-16-2009, 07:46 AM

that looks pretty good considering it came in moss....you took it out in time....those roots look fine, the broken ones should mend or at least will help stabalize the plant in the medium.....put it in some chunky bark and let it grow! the plant looks fine, and the flowers are gorgeous! good deal all around...

Bird Song Farm · #9 09-16-2009, 08:41 AM

They (the roots) look quite good. Just follow the advise you have received and everything will be fine.
Very nice flower by the way.
Al

redperphexion · #10 09-16-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

Don't worry about the bent or cracked roots. It's only the velamen of the root which is damaged. Your roots wouldn't have good growing tips if the true root (stringy thing in the middle of the root) had been damaged.

Aha! That's what I wasn't sure about. Thanks

Thanks to all for your help! And yes, I LOVE the blooms on this one.