Some Yellowing roots on new phal

[fukuchan5459]

I have obtained a new phal from a local specialty store and I have a question regarding the roots.

I currently own 7 orchids. (3 phals, 2 dendrobiums, 1 paph, 1 Milatoniopsis)

The newest acquisition had 3 spikes on it, so i got it. I also looked at the visible roots and it looked OK.

Now, when I went home and opened the pot (clear pot inside a ceramic pot), I noticed 1 or 2 of the roots were semi-brown/yellowing. However, I noticed there were many good green roots (light green and dark).

Is it OK to have 1-2 yellowing roots mixed in with the healthy ones?

Also, are the silky grey/silvery roots on the top of the medium ok/healthy?

I only have 1 picture for now.

Any advice is very much appreciated.

[tucker85]

The roots look normal and healthy to me. The roots on top are called Aerial roots and they are usually that silver color. The roots in the pot will look white when they dry out and turn a greenish color when you water them.

[Stray59]

I agree with Tucker! The plant looks great overall - I do notice two roots (1 on pic 3, 1 on pic 4) that has some yellowing and what looks like dark deterioration. It isn't unusual for a couple of the outer roots to get damaged in the packing and shipping process; but, I think this is really minor and the plant will just adapt. It never hurts to flush a new plant with fungicide just to be on the safe side.
It looks like you have a beautiful and healthy plant - enjoy it!
Happy New Year!
Steve

[james mickelso]

My only concern is the condition of the media in which it is planted. It looks very fine or it has broken down. If watered very much it might cause some issues like water logged roots because it stays too wet. What do you think Steve, Tucker?

[fukuchan5459]

Thanks for the responses. Happy New year to you all too.

I like to keep my orchids in clear pots so that I can keep an eye on the roots but any advice to keep the orchid well ventilated?

[james mickelso]

I have a fan blowing on them constantly. I also use a coarser media than a lot of folks because I live at the beach where it is cool and humid most of the time. The coarse media helps keep them aerated.

[Stray59]

I agree the medium looks poor - usually by the time the stores get them they are in need of re-potting for one reason or another. But, in the case of one that has bloom spikes, especially three, I would hold off until it has stopped blooming unless there was active fungus or rot detected.
I know that some say you can re-pot and not loose the blooms, but I have never been able to accomplish this; if I dislodge a couple of adhered roots, it's over for the flower stem.
I would look at preventative measures at this time; perhaps remove some of the medium from the top roots with a pair of tweezers to increase air circulation, and definitely drench it with fungicide. Make sure the medium is almost dry before you water and look at the roots often for signs of rot.
If there is some way you can carefully and gently cut slits or make holes in the side of the pot you can also increase the circulation (exacto knife and thick gloves maybe.)
Just some thoughts!
Best of luck!
Have a Happy and Prosperous 2013!
Steve