Root rot

[Xixilinda]

Hi everyone,

I bought two beautiful phalaenosis orchid a month ago and recently one of them's leaves start to turn yellow and fall off. I watched video on YouTube and decide to repot them ( I didn't know it was because root rotting then). After I repotted it I watered it with 400 ml water.

Then I found out the reason for the leaf falling is the root rotting ( I did find some root is black, so I cut 20 % root with a unsteriled scissors). Now I regret I overwatered it and didnt steriled the scissors. I just wonder shall I report it again??

The rotted one only have 3 leaves left ( initially 6 leaves). All the flowers have fallen for both orchid since I brought them home... I am in Singapore .

Many thanks for your help!!

[tucker85]

What kind of medium is your orchid potted in? It won't hurt the plant if you want to repot again. Don't worry about having watered it. Just wait until it's almost completely dry before you water it again. Good luck.

[Xixilinda]

The pot is just a normal clay pot with a hole at the bottom. I used soil mixed with small light pebbles...

Now I just came back from the florist shop and was told not to use soil but rather bark to grow orchid. So I repot the plants again and is drying their root.

The shop keeper told me phal orchid is hard to raise in Singapore as it is too hot (their ones look pretty because they are just imported from Taiwan). Well, I will try and hope for the best.

Thanks!!

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome.
Most orchids do not do well in soil, bark is pretty good as it lets air into the root area. On phals, when the roots are green do not water. When the roots turn silver/white it's time to water.
Good luck with your plants.
Joann

[The Orchid Boy]

To recover a phal with root rot, plant in damp sphagnum moss and water when it is just barely moist or almost dry. I used this method and it works very well.
I've grown phals outside when it is 85F to 95F in summer here. You just need to provide humidity and air movement. Phals are native to southeast Asia.

[Bud]

Dont beleive them when they say you cant grow Phals in your area...
You can grow any kind of orchid...just follow the correct culture, and discover a watering regimen for it...