Bad root condition Phal, advise on bagging

[bday_phal]

Hi

One more plant with big issues.
This is my very first Phal. it was a birthday gift and I want to do what I can to save it because of the sentimental reasons and because I couldn't throw out any green thing without trying something.

Once I received it and started reading on the plants, I peeked into the clear plastic pot to see what looked like severe over watering damage to roots.

In haste (maybe, maybe not) I replaced the medium, snipped off a lot of blackened, pinched squishy roots and not much was left. The plant has continued to show signs of decline, unsurprisingly.

I read the wonderful article on spag and bag and wonder if I should? Though I am limited on supplies and have no hormone. I am going to "bag" it unless someone who knows thinks its a bad idea.

Question? what is your judgement on the pics? Is this the sort of plant one might bag?

Can I use listerine as a pre-bag dip for the roots? Is that the right thing?

I have sheet moss handy not shpag, are they not the same?? I have no idea if they are as I am totally new to these plants.

I just want to do all I reasonably can to try to save this, I have a nice clean bag, listerine, peroxide and or alcohol, clean tools, bark- will get sphag if needed---- and a lot of willingness.
Comments, experience appreciated.
thanks.

-Karen aka bday_phal

[BobInBonita]

As you know, that is one unhappy orchid. IF it survives, it will be a long haul before it is healthy.

Others might approach it differently, but if I HAD to save it, I probably would modify "sphag and bag" to avoid a repotting IF it starts to root.

I would give it a quick physan rinse and let it dry in a cool (60-75F) location for a couple of days. That would allow the damaged roots to "heal over" a bit.

Next I would replant in a SMALL pot with pre-soaked fine to medium orchid mix.

Finally, I would loosely cover it with a large clear plastic bag (like a large freezer bag) to keep the humidity up but let light and some air in.

Set the whole thing aside in low light and don't worry about it. The less you move and manipulate it at this point the better. Water it onhly when it is really dry. If it roots - you've won, if it shrivels and dies you've done your best.

[Zoi2]

If it were mine, I would do just as Bob suggested.
Joann

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Try what Bob has to say.

The pot would have to be something in the order of 2".

No clay pots. They tend to keep things cool.

Use clear plastic pots. It keeps the roots warmer and lets light through.

You want warm and humid, not cool and humid.

[bday_phal]

Thank you all very much.


I considered posting *warning Graphic pics* in the title line.


I'll take this advise and see what happens.

best regards

-Karen