Is my phal dying?

[silken]

In Canada it is not as easy to find Superthrive. I just found some at a hydroponics store and likely the same with K-L-N. You could order some as well. Dyna Gro makes the K-L-N. But for just two Phals, it may not be a worthwhile investment. I guess it depends how hard it is to find. If you have access to a good orchid supplier, they possibly carry one or both also.

The spike will take energy but I would be tempted to wait and see if it declines any more. I also lightly mist my Phals until they get enough roots. But you must be very careful not to let water collect in the crown as this will cause crown rot if it sits there.

I'm not sure how you can tell the roots are hollow. If they are soft and just collapse when you touch them, they are likely dead. If they are green, they are usually firm and alive. Also silver ones are good and they usually turn green when wet. Don't over-water these in an effort to save them. Let them get dry or very close to dry before watering. They will grow roots in search of water.

[meghan]

I checked Canadian Tire online, they have a product called Wilson's Roots Liquid Root Stimulator? I did a google search and someone mentioned using it on an orchid, not a phal though I think they said Vanda.
I have no idea where a orchid supplier would be in my area, I've tried looking online but not much luck.

I think I am going to do that, if I see another leaf turning I think I should cut it?
I have a spray bottle I can mist with, I just spray the roots and surrounding medium though right?


As for my other phal, I took some pictures but I'm on my phone so I can't post them just yet.
I know they are hollow because they don't have a round shape they are sunken in, if that makes sense.
Other than the two buds I lost it looks good but some roots are yellowish so it worries me what is inside the center. It's in bark but I don't think it's straight bark it holds more moisture than I would have thought.

[The Mutant]

Hi meghan,

I found Superthrive on the Canadian eBay if it's of any interest: superthrive | eBay

I've just received my very own bottle of this "elixir" and I'll try to help three Phals with it. Hopefully I'll be successful.

[calypsoB]

I have used the wilsons on my phal and it didn`t do anything. Honestly, the best remedey for most planst is to find a good media that works for your enviro (bark might be to dry so maybe add in some moss) and ignore them a bit. They really don`t seem to like too much attention! I would also put it into a place with good light (South facing windeow if you have one). In Canada we don`t get the same type of lighting as the states so it is a bit harder at this time of year to burn them. Anyway, this has worked for me. Also, I find neem oil works pretty well as a bug spray which is available everywhere here (only listed as a foliar spray due to canadian laws). Just in case your weakend plant gets some

[Olivia]

Originally Posted by meghan

if I see another leaf turning I think I should cut it?

If it's just the bottom leaves turning yellow, and not going mushy, I would let it be. If this is just the normal dropping off process it will be less stressful for the plant and I think I heard somewhere that it will reabsorb some of the nutrients.

Another home remedy for rot is the standard brown Listerine. Just dab on a little to the affected areas.

[silken]

Originally Posted by meghan

I checked Canadian Tire online, they have a product called Wilson's Roots Liquid Root Stimulator? I did a google search and someone mentioned using it on an orchid, not a phal though I think they said Vanda.
I have no idea where a orchid supplier would be in my area, I've tried looking online but not much luck.

I think I am going to do that, if I see another leaf turning I think I should cut it?
I have a spray bottle I can mist with, I just spray the roots and surrounding medium though right?


As for my other phal, I took some pictures but I'm on my phone so I can't post them just yet.
I know they are hollow because they don't have a round shape they are sunken in, if that makes sense.
Other than the two buds I lost it looks good but some roots are yellowish so it worries me what is inside the center. It's in bark but I don't think it's straight bark it holds more moisture than I would have thought.

Some root hormones are too strong for orchids and do more harm than good. I wouldn't use one unless you know it's proven for orchids. K-L-N is used by a number of people on this OB as well as SuperThrive.

You don't need to cut the leaf unless it looks diseased. Let it yellow naturally and then cut when it is good and dead. The leaves do the photosynthesis which is what helps feed the plant along with the roots. I also wouldn't put it in a south window or any bright light while it has no roots. I was thinking of misting the leaves lightly as well as any surface roots. The leaves can take up moisture in small amounts.

As for the other Phal. If you haven't checked the roots, I would. Most Phals that we get come potted in moss and often there is a wad of very wet moss right up in the centre of the root ball under the crown that can't dry out as fast as the rest of the pot. that causes root rot. the first thing I do when a Phal. comes home is re-pot it in a mix of bark and moss. That way I know right off the start what I'm dealing with for roots. Most Phals in bloom don't even skip a beat from re-potting and it might save the plant because they bloom for so long that root rot may have killed the plant by the time they are done blooming.

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[meghan]

Okay I will have to look into ordering the ST, I probably won't be able to until the end of the month ^^

Okay I will let it dry out a bit and when I mist I will lightly do the leaves too being careful that none of it gets in the crown.

Yeah I figured I would have to take my other phal out and check as well. I started soaking some bark this morning so I'll leave it for 24 hours before I do anything. I hope they aren't in bad shape...
Do the roots being broken have anything to do with root rot setting in easier? My first phal didn't have many roots that weren't broken :/

Also, my bedroom window is west facing which is where I keep my phals. Lately there hasn't been much sun at all, but today there was a good amount and the temp in my room went to 23 C It's supposed to be the same the next few days. I have an east facing art room I could put them in for now, would it be better for east or west exposure?
Thank you guys so much for all the help I really appreciate it

[silken]

Paramount in Calgary sells K-L-N if you want to check that option to compare to a possible ST purchase.

Broken roots could lead to bacteria entering the open part of the root. Quite often, they just heal and send another shoot out tho. After you re-pot the plant, let it dry well which gives the roots a chance to heal over.

East or west is likely OK. It sort of depends on if trees are helping to block sun-but they now have no leaves, so not much help at the moment. Bildings in the way etc. They need light but nothing that makes their leaves feel warm to the touch. And while it is struggling, everything should be moderate so that it can recover without shock to the system. I would likely choose the warmest of the two locations so it doesn't get chilled at night and growth can be encouraged.

[vjo]

Down here in the states we can buy super thrive at wallmart....you might try that.....Jean

[meghan]

Thanks!

I'll have to see about walmart, I didn't see any online but I know someone who works there I can ask them ^^

I just took my other phal out, it was a bark mixture but it was almost like soil? So maybe that was the mix or it was broken down...

It doesn't seem to be rotten but some of them just look dead. Majority of those are branched off of solid roots or attached to a healthier part. Some of them are white, and I watered not too long ago, I have seen the upper ones be more of a silver colour.
I'll attach some pictures.

All the brown spots are just dirt or small pieces of bark I rinsed it really quickly ^^

http://i44.tinypic.com/35a3pkj.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/34yd6l2.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/mrvlzk.jpg

Thanks again!



EDIT:

Also, I looked at that Paramount Orchids and the KLN brand's website. There is a retailer in Toronto as well that sells it online which is only an hour or so from where I live. Would the KLN be more beneficial than the SuperThrive for my phal with bad roots?