Something is going wrong. Can any one help?

[nibbler]

I am having problems with some of my phals. Three of my phals are fine or I believe to be fine. I have included a picture of the root system of one of them. I am doing the same in all cases.
Three others arnt. A few weeks ago I placed one in water to water it rather than holding it under the tap. The second one I bought in a shop that was being drowned (I thought it had been caught in time) and the third one I havent a clue what is wrong with it, it was spiking and now has hardly any roots left. Basically i am wondering if in two of the cases, should I just give up and how do I save the third one.
Can any one help me? Thanks

[LauraN]

Hard to tell from the photos, but they all look to have nice leaves on them. I would pot them back up and water them only when they are close to being dry, but water heavily. I think that they will surprise you with roots.
Phal's aren't my specialty though, so hopefully someone will chime in that is more knowledgeable than me!

[BikerDoc5968]

You might want to try the sphag and bag thing. First clean up the roots as best you can. Then take some moist sphagnum moss and a plastic bag large enough to contain one plant. Seal the bag and keep it warm and out of direct sun. Repeat for the others. I would agree the 2nd one looks like "not good" but can't hurt to try... also cut the spike all the way back. Sometimes this will get some new roots growing. In addition some people will soak the plant is rooting hormone before placing in the bag. Zip-lock bags work well for this project. Good luck.

[Blueszz]

I haven't had much luck with Sphag and Bag, maybe because were I live it's cold and dark during this time of the year. I've saved orchids with less roots than number 2 and 4. You could give it a try. It might be worth it. 15 Months after I tried to save a plant in such a condition it's root bound and blooming with 18 flowers.

Cut the spikes, you might want to use the ends of the spikes to secure the plants in the pot if the roots don't give enough stabilty. I had luck with plain bark which I didn't soak before I used it. The medium dried out very fast but I could water heavily when I watered. I started my last rescue in October 08 and kept it fairly dry all winter. This is the plant that is blooming so well now.
It wouldn't surprise me if you see new root growth in 3-4 weeks.

Nicole
PS Use the smallest pot the roots fit in. Don't over pot (if you pot them up).

[Gin]

First one looks good , I would leave it alone, the others pot up they will grow a ring of new roots above the old ones . Keep out of direct sun and water when almost dry . I have not had good luck with the Sphag . and bag.. Good luck with them .. Gin

[WhiteRabbit]

I managed to save a couple of phals with rotted roots by mounting them, so that's another option to consider

[nibbler]

Thanks guys, I have taken the bark, sieved it so I only have the large pieces left and washed it through. There was a smell coming from it. Kind of damp/unpleasent and there was white stuff on some pieces. I am not sure if this is mineral deposits or a fungus but I rang boiling water over it. I have replanted no. 3 and no. 4. No.2 is in the worst shape. Those roots are like dried out paper. Almost like there is nothing left. I have nothing to mount it on at the moment. There is very little orchid supplies in Ireland. Everything has to be ordered in. At the moment I have it kept out and I run it under water two to three times a day to keep it moist. The leaves are turning yellow and the texture feels different. Rubbery almost.

[nibbler]

Also is it normal to have a smell coming from bark?

[dounoharm]

sounds like it might have a fungal infection.....try spraying it with some physan 20 on the root areas and leaves...avoid the crown of the plant, keep that dry....gl

[fotofashion]

Supposedly, Physan 20 is no longer available in Europe. So unless you have some put away somewhere, there are other things such as diluted bleach and (cinnamon?) or is it nutmeg.