yellow leaves and rotten roots on phal...help!

[piaffe97]

Ok here's the situation. This is one of the phal's I've been having a problem with. Just after dropping its flowers I repotted because many of the roots were damaged from too much water. (thats how it was when I got it). I held off watering much and kept out of direct light, also moved into a smaller pot. Now the leaves are getting yellow and when I pulled it out of the pot it smelled really moldy and wet still. The fresh potting media was dry but most of the roots are either dried up or dark and moist. Based on the pictures....do you advanced growers think its salvagable? What do I do now?

[Tropicgirl]

I've seen phals in worse condition make a comeback.

If any of those roots are hollow you can cut them off with sterile scissors.

Pot it in the smallest pot that you can squeeze the remaining roots into. This will allow the bark to dry very fast so you can still water often without it staying wet and rotting the roots. Put a wooden chopstick or bamboo skewer into the center of the pot, you can pull it out to check the moisture in the middle of the medium and see if it's time to water.

I hope this helps! I'm sure others will be along to add more tips, I know I've missed something.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i agree. i saved a phal with no roots once

[Eyebabe]

Personally, I would throw it out.
There is not one single root that is any good as far as I can see.
The yellow leaf and the second one that is beginning to turn yellow are not just falling off...it seems like a pseudomonas infection.
If you really really want to spend some time and try to experiment with saving this plant which, if you are successful may bloom in a year, you should remove the bad roots, cut off the yellow leaves, treat with a rooting hormone and anti-bacterial/anti-fungal, and place in a moisture type container to promote root growth.
I was successful one time in five years with trying about 8 plants...now I don't waste my time so much if I am finding this situation.
Sorry, just being honest...guess I'm as rotten as those roots

[RosieC]

I would try and save it, as Angela has suggested, but don't be suprised if it does not make it. I've saved one from only a couple of roots and others have saved them from no roots... but I've also lost ones in that sort of condition so nothing is garanteed and it all depends how much effort you want to spend.

[piaffe97]

Thanks all....I think I will try to save it....after all, thats how you learn right? Lol if it doesnt make it then it doesnt make it That was the very first orchid I bought, so I kind of expected that it might not make it.