Phalaenopsis with dried up roots, other novice questions.

[Cassie16]

Hi everyone!

I have a love for the look of orchids, but sadly am horrific at caring for them. I purchased my "Just Add Ice" Orchid from Kroger's a few months back. I understand that to the more experience, Kroger's is probably not the ideal outlet for purchasing orchids; however, as a beginner, it was a readily available and convenient option.

I am a complete novice. I have tried to inform myself on orchid care, but usually grow frustrated upon reading obscurities that I can't decipher. What in the world is a node, again? And you say that I should cut below it? (above it?!) I am horrified at the thought of butchering my plant because I failed to remain attentive in 3rd quarter biology.

I digress. My point is, I am in need of some seriously dumbed down advice at how to best proceed to care for my beloved plant. I water it (as advised) with ice every 7-10 days, but will gladly revise this at your suggestion! I have a thing of fertilizer for acidophiles, but have yet to use it on this orchid (it didn't really help with the last one).

I currently have the orchid in the pot it was purchased in. I have no idea what type of soil it's in; it looks like wood chips to me. I'm afraid of removing the orchid, but can do so if necessary. I recently noticed the roots spreading out of the soil and looking dried up. A lone stem from the last flowering remains, because I don't know where (or how) (or what with) I'm supposed to cut it.

It's actually sprouting a new little leaf, which excited me, but then I noticed it was purpling at the edges, and splitting in the middle.

The orchid is placed far away from my patio windows, which the screens are mostly drawn open, that faces East. Behind it is a west facing window, whose shades are always drawn. The leaves don't look too green or greenish yellow, so I've always assumed lighting was OK.

I do not mist the orchid, should I? I did put it in the bathroom tonight with a steamy shower. I don't do this often. (ever). I'm a little paranoid at this point.

Anywho, without further ado, here's my orchid. I can easily take more pictures at different angles if it would help anyone assess the damage! I would adore any advice anyone could give me. Seriously, pardon my ignorance. I'm here to learn!

[Eahonn]

Node is a bump on the spike or the tall thin thing the flowers bloom off of.

[Eahonn]

And no more ice this will shock the plant. Read the phal abuse stops here thread lots of info. Try using a skewer like for kabobs and stick it in the pot with the plant you can check it every few days when it is mostly dry its time to water. Run plenty of(30 sec. )warm or room temp water through the pot avoiding the leaves and making sure you don't leave standing water in these places. Water in the morning for best results. Good luck happy growing!

[Cassie16]

Thank you so much for the skewer tip, and for the no more ice tip. I tried reading that thread on my phone, and it didn't load so well. Now that I'm using my laptop, I'll have to revisit it!

Another silly question, but is it bad to get water on the leaves?

And given my pictures, do you still think there's hope for my orchid?

[silken]

Your orchid looks quite healthy at the moment. If you don't over water it it should be fine. Since you have what looks like a clear pot, you might be able to see some of the lower roots. When they are green, they are still wet. When they are a silver grey colour they are dry. I suspect your ice method was not enough water so some dried up, but luckily it likely prevented the roots from rotting from over-water. I like the skewer method and use it for lots of my plants.

[Cassie16]

That's quite comforting, thank you for taking the time to look and answer. I will get skewers tomorrow and abide by that watering method instead. I actually took it out and gently removed the dead roots, taking care to not remove the live ones. I was a little nervous that I was too rough with it, but I think if i leave it alone for a while it should be ok?

[bballr4567]

If it was me, Id take the clear pot out of the decorative one. Quite a few of us have noticed that phal roots love to have light on them and will actively seek it out and a clear pot allows that.

The splitting of the leaf means its not getting enough water or there isnt enough humidity in the growing area. As long as it continues to grow I wouldnt worry too much.

I'd probably move it a tad closer to the east light source as its going through its growing phase right now so it needs the extra light to convert it into energy. Phals can tolerate east facing light far better than west. In fact, most people here grow their phals in an east facing window just because of that.

[silken]

Were there some good roots left? If so, I think it will be fine. They are very hardy and just want to live. I leave the skewer in the pot in the same place and pull it out to test, then replace it. That way I don't stab roots in different places all the time. Phals like the clear pots and I don't put them in ceramic ones after the blooms are done because the roots seem to like some light and photosynthesize. Also air gets into the pot better when out of the decorative ceramic one.

[silken]

Originally Posted by bballr4567

If it was me, Id take the clear pot out of the decorative one. Quite a few of us have noticed that phal roots love to have light on them and will actively seek it out and a clear pot allows that.

Ha Ha, great minds think alike! I was posting when you were!

[bballr4567]

LOL

I will say that the phals I have in my homemade pots that have tons of air slits in them are doing much better than the ones in the clay and regular plastic pots. My bigger NoID phal that was nearly dead thanks to an idiot owner has pushed out a total of 7 roots that are about 9" long PLUS a keiki that has a good 2" of roots too.