Should I repot these orchids with root rot?

[hmomof2]

Hello, I need help! I have two phal orchids that were together in one pot. They were doing fine for several months, until I noticed that there were fungus gnats that would not go away, I did not know which of my plants they were coming from so I treated them all. I then repotted my orchids, and trouble began...
I now have one orchid with I believe severe root rot as nearly all the roots are yellowing. There is only one of the two leaves that may hang around. The other is bad as well however, has a few leaves that look good for now. One recently yellowed and fell off.
I need all the help I can get!

[johnblagg]

Well you have them out of the pot alreaady and now is a good a time as any.Clean them up and do it.

[hmomof2]

I guess, I'm asking if it's worth it. Can they be saved or are they too far gone?

[johnblagg]

Sure they can they are not too far gone to save at all ....not even close to that point from my view

[hmomof2]

Thanks for the quick response John! These are my first Orchids! To pick your brain as to the best way to save these my questions are:
1. Should I cut the yellow roots as well as what's black or hollow?
2. I have Miracle Gro Orchid mix... should I go with something different?
3. I had these in a clear plastic pot, and that was inside a clay pot (one hole at bottom) with a saucer beneath it. (Is that the problem?)
4. Do I cover ALL the roots with the potting mix, or keep some above? (I have heard contradictions on this.)

[Blueszz]

Only remove what is mushy and comes of when you pull gently on the roots. This leaves a string, the actual root. Only cut that off when there are no good parts of velamen below it. Velamen is the spongy layers of cells that surround the actual root. If lower on the root the velamen still is functional (not mushy or soft) it still can absorb water and nutrients and will be transported to the plant by the inner string.
Don't cut yellow roots. If they are not soft/mushy they are good roots. Roots are green when exposed to light and often the roots that were in the middle of the pot are not greened up, simply because of lack of light. Yellow roots are functional roots.

I don't Miracle Gro Orchid mix, I hope others can advise you. You'll need a course and airy mix, not something that look like dirt.

A cache pot normally isn't a problem but I choose cache pots that a wide and make sure I have some clay pebbles on the bottom so that there is more air exchange from the bottom of the plastic pot.

No problem covering all the roots with potting mix but if some don't fit in the pot, even not after you soaked the roots in some luke warm water for a while (which makes them more flexible) it's not a problem to let them out of the pot. I alos had success with potting roots that were air born before.

Nicole

[hmomof2]

I appreciate your advice and will give it a try. I thank you so much! I will get right on it in the AM. I am so glad I happened upon this site!

[Country Gramma]

A special mix for orchids (not miracle grow) will contain chunky pieces of bark, coconut husks, sponge rock and/or other chunky things to keep the medium light and allow the water to drain right through. Most orchid roots do not like to be standing in water. (They grow on trees or rocks usually).
The kind you have there grow on trees.

You have plenty of good roots to save the plants. Repot in the mix and water when the pot feels light when you lift it. I don't like clay pots personally, but others have great success with them. I like clear pots so I can see how the roots are doing and it's easier to tell if they need more water.

Those take low to med light.

Good luck, Karen

[Judi]

I agree with all the advice above, Miracle Gro is not a good potting medium for orchids. The roots need air, so you need to make sure the potting medium doesn't compact. You also need to make sure the clear plastic pot has plenty of holes for drainage and that there is plenty of room between the plastic and cache pots for air circulation. Don't forget to soak the new bark mediun for a couple of hours before repotting, and remember that new bark dries out faster than old bark mix.

[Becca]

What kind of mix were your two phals originally potted in? I use mixes from rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Care - Orchid Fertilizer. They are a little spendy, but have great quality products and great customer service and lots of info on their website. I too wouldn't use the Miracle stuff, but if that is all you can get your hands on or afford then you can make do with it. You will just have to figure out how often to water using it depending on how fast it dries out. I would recommend a clear pot, and with this mix perhaps a clear pot with the thin slits on the sides (you can make your own if needed). And as Judi mentioned...don't forget to presoak your medium! I would presoak for 24 hours if possible! Good luck and keep us updated!