Phalenopsis root question

[kmccormic]

I'm not sure if these are healthy roots?

I got a dtps taida sara gem phalaenopsis a month or so back. It had 2 stems, small pretty flowers, typical phal look. The flowers were dropping off one of the stems, I saw that a stem at the base was broken and black-looking at the break even though the rest of the root was green. So I trimmed it off, treated the cut. The flowers continued to drop off that stem, so I cut the stem off. The other stem is good. However, the leaves have curled a lot now. I'm worried I haven't solved the problem? Does the plant need the other stem trimmed, not enough energy to maintain the plant without that root? The first 2 pics are from when I first got it, the 3rd is what the leaves look like now.

Thank you folks. Happy Holidays!
Kara

[calypsoB]

I think you need to repot, it looks like root rot. I am not sure about good fungusides but I am sure someone will be along with a good one Good luck!

[Merlyn]

I agree, I can see it's in one of those flexible plastic pots direct from Taiwan. You don't know what's in the media or how tight they have packed it which constricts the roots and does cause rot. Fresh media, stiff pot with holes and Physan 20 if a fungicide is needed. Good luck !

[tucker85]

Repotting certainly would help. That sphagnum moss is very wet. Whether the plant is in sphagnum or another medium it needs to get almost completely dry before rewatering. On the other hand phals should not stay dry long because they don't have psuedobulbs to store water like some other orchids. Good luck.

[kmccormic]

I've trimmed the roots, sprayed with Lysol disinfectant since I don't have anything cool like Physan20, and treated the roots with cinnamon, and now it's drying. I have some bark I will repot it into, medium sized, that should help with aeration in the future. Question, should I soak the potting material first? How long should I wait before I start watering it once a week again? Can I put it back in it's window?

Thank you everyone for your advice!

[Zoi2]

If you're using a bark media, soak for several hours to overnight before potting.
Joann

[kmccormic]

I soaked it in a solution of Superthrive and water for 15 minutes first before repotting. I hope I got all or at least enough of the rot and left enough roots . Here's a couple pictures. I'm worried that the -rhizome?- central part had rot and it may have been an exercise in futility.

Picture of roots before trimming:


Pictures of roots after trimming and cinnamon applied to ends:

[JerseyGirlBecky]

I think the roots look pretty darn good. However,looks like you have some crown rot. Be careful not to get water in the leaves. Do not water from the top. If you do get water in there dry the leaves with Q tips or whatever works. I had one with bad crown rot and it did get all new leaves. I had good roots. So yours just might be O.K..

[camille1585]

You shouldn't have cut anything off, it had very very nice roots. Sometimes they'll look a bit banged up, but as long as they ae firm they are functional.

[Zoi2]

I agree, the roots looked fine. I would wash the cinnamon off before you repot as it will just dry the roots out.
Joann