Root Rot Process

[YAgo]

Goodmorning everyone.

This is my first post to this Forum so I need some patience here :O)

I have been growing Orchids at my apartment here in Miami (west window, 78º-75º) for almost 6-8 month. I have never grew plants before much less Orchids, so it has been a time of exploration and learning.

I have Phals, Dends, one Call and one Dancing Lady

In the last 3-4 weeks I have been battling a major Root Rot in almost all my 20 orchids. I think the main problem was that I used Spag Moss on regular pots with little ventilation . To fix this I transfer all to Basket Pots with fully Hydroton, leaving water to sit no further the first and 1/2 little square ( half to one inch).

Also, I remove all the rot roots, clean the all the bottom of organic material and I bath in a solution of 1 H2O2 for 2 of Water. I also sprayed H2O2 directly to the cuts to sterilize.

The Good thing is the new Roots are growing close to the leaves on my Phals, the Dend and the Call are looking happier.

So I'm wondering if what I'm doing is enough, and if the rot process continues for a little while before they are fully healed?



Thank you

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board.

It sounds good that you have new roots growing and it sounds to me like you've done the right thing.

I've split your post off from the thread you had put it on, generally more people are likely to see it when new questions have new threads of their own.

Hopefully others will be along soon to comment.

[Wjs2nd]

You can also use cinnamon after you cut any part of an orchid. I'm confused about something. Do you have your plants resting in a little water? To much water is what rots roots.

[Leafmite]

I have my orchids in lava rock and plastic net pots. Same reason. I had bunch of rootless, struggling orchids. They recovered quite rapidly once I put them in the lava rock a few years ago and when I transplanted them to the net pots from clay this spring, I found no rotting roots, only healthy green ones. I think you made a great decision and will see no further problems. Great to have you on board and hope you will share with us pictures of your blooms!
Leafmite

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Wjs2nd

You can also use cinnamon after you cut any part of an orchid. I'm confused about something. Do you have your plants resting in a little water? To much water is what rots roots.

Be careful of cinnamon on roots. It is a desiccant and will dry them too much so they die.

If plants are in Lecca/Hydroton, or other inorganic medium they can be left standing in water. That's what the S/H growing method is all about.

It's not actually too much water that rots roots, but it's too little air that rots roots. In most mediums the water between the media causes lack of air and that causes rot. With Lecca the air is still there even with the water, I have many growing this way with water in the bottom. As long as the new roots grow in that environment they will be fine (and the technique makes it so much harder to overwater )

[Charmkp]

Welcome to OB. You seem like an expert, you doctored those chids well.
I never knew about the H2O2 solution. I learnt something.
One thing I can say for sure is, once you see new roots, the plaants are doing better. Keep us posted on their progress. Happy growing.

[tucker85]

I think you're on the right track. If you have them sitting in a little water with hydroton and net pots you still need to water the plants. Hydroton does not pull the water up from the bottom very well. Don't worry about the fact that hydroton dries quickly and needs to be watered often. Fast drying medium is great for orchids but a little more work for the grower. My oncidium (dancing lady) did not do well in hydroton. I now have mine in a net pot with coconut husk chips. Good luck with your orchids.

[YAgo]

Hello Guys, sorry for my delay in answer you all, but life have been a bit crazy.
First let me thank you all for your answers and your warm welcoming.


Wjs2nd: they are sitting in water as a Hydoculture system, so the roots are not touching the water directly, but receiving humidity through the Clay Pellets.

Leafmite:thank you for your comment, it gave me so peace of mind. Promise to post some nice ones soon.

RosieC: Thank you for your welcoming and to relocate the post. It help me a lot. And yes, Air, Air, Air I think that's the key for healthy roots. The main problem I'm having right now (even before moving into S/H) is a white fungus that shows everywhere. I spray the roots, the clay pellet and the pots with H2O2 every 2-3 days, but it always comes back. A constant battler. So far no bugs or pest, that it's cool.

CHARMKT The idea of Hydrogene Peroxide (H2O2) is that it's form of 2 Hydrogen Molecule and 2 of Oxygen. It's a reallyy unstable formula, so when it touch a soft-shell bug or fungus, it killed them and brakes the formula, leaving just Water H2O and Oxygen as residual, something good for the plants. You can used it on the roots, pellets, water reservoir etc. Is cheap and healthy for the plants. Use the regular one 3%

tucker85: Thank you for your suggestions. Sad to hear that of your Oncidium ;O) not working well for you on Hydroton, in here, she is full of roots, new bulbs and one has gave us a spike (yeeee) so soon we might have a whole Dancing Ball of yellow little flowers. Picture will come too.