How healthy is my Phalaenopsis?

[PaxTea]

So, today I decided to pull off the moss and take a look at the roots. They're not black or mushy, which is good, but they are... purple?

Does this mean that my "purple" orchid is actually a white orchid that was dyed, sort of like those "blue" orchids? Or is this a disease of some kind? Or something else?

[PaxTea]

On another note, I got this little cutie yesterday! I didn't want Eddie to be lonely.

According to my sample size of two, grocery checkout people really love orchids! When we got Eddie, the guy at the co-op made a huge fuss over how beautiful he was. He stopped everything to look at the plant, and called over one of his co-workers.

When I got the mini-phal yesterday, at a different grocery store, the checkout guy there also geeked out about how little it was, like a baby.

I think the little guy is doing pretty well. I expect he'll lose one of his leaves because it's underneath two of his roots that have come up out of the pot, but that doesn't seem like a huge problem.

[Stray59]

Both babies are beauties! I am not sure about the purple tinge on the roots - it sure looks like it was "treated" at one time, but the blooms look very natural - usually when they are treated the color is so odd, it is really easy to see. Not so with this one. As far as it being a pure white one that was treated, I think you'll just have to wait to see on this. I would not think that is the case, but I haven't found too many pink-purple roots in the past either. There are some fertilizers that have purple dye in them, not sure if that is what is going on or not. It will be interesting to see what others think -!
Regardless, they are both very nice plants with healthy looking roots and plants.
Congrats on the newbies-
Steve

[SlipperGirl]

that mini is soooo cute

[PaxTea]

Isn't he? I like how the blossoms are all topsy-turvy, and two of them are directly facing each other, like they're having a little chat.

The blooms are less than 2'' across, and the whole plant is only about 7'' tall.

I also just noticed that since I took the picture last night, one of the buds has turned into a full bloom!

[PaxTea]

I appreciate all the fast advice I have been getting on this forum! Since I might as well re-pot Eddie now that I've got him out of the moss, I'd like an opinion on two things.

1.) Should I cut off this root with the two black breaks, or leave it alone?

2.) Which is the best fit for these roots?

- The 5" black
- The 5.5" green
- The 6" clear

The black looks way too small to me, but I thought I'd include the picture for comparison reasons. I'm thinking the green is the best fit.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by PaxTea

I appreciate all the fast advice I have been getting on this forum! Since I might as well re-pot Eddie now that I've got him out of the moss, I'd like an opinion on two things.

1.) Should I cut off this root with the two black breaks, or leave it alone?

2.) Which is the best fit for these roots?

- The 5" black
- The 5.5" green
- The 6" clear

The black looks way too small to me, but I thought I'd include the picture for comparison reasons. I'm thinking the green is the best fit.

I would leave the root. I think I would go with the clear pot I like to see my orchids roots and it looks like the best size

[PaxTea]

Thanks! I followed your advice and left the root. I re-potted it loosely with some fresh moss in the clear pot. I'm done messing with it for a while.

[The Orchid Kid]

love the little fella. Something I really love about white orchid flowers - so pure and fresh!

Your other one looks nice and healthy in the roots. I would have cut the root instinctively, so good to learn is ok to leave these ones as they are.

[PaxTea]

Oh dear, it hasn't even been two weeks, has it? WELL I got a third orchid today, and she's a beauty!

This Orchid is a NoID Phal from Home Depot. Some of the plants there were in a sorry state, but this one looked okay, and I fell in love with the blooms.

I think she's got some Fuller's Sunset in her, but the blooms are more pastel and have a hint of green. I just *love* the fuschia on the ends of her lips.