-gasp- new growth!

[shaelyn]

some of you may remember me talking about my mom's orchid when I first joined - she gave it to me because it never bloomed in her care, and when I repotted it, it had severe root rot.

a few days ago I noticed it looks like its working on a new leaf. I thought awesome, first time experiencing an orchid putting out a new leaf, but it really needs some roots:
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...s/100_2826.jpg

well today I noticed it has a bump at the base! is it weird that I'm actually hoping more for roots than a flower spike? XD though I've never seen this one bloom, it really needs roots.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...s/100_2825.jpg

I know you guys have probably all seen your orchids grow...but being so new to this, and particularly with this orchid that was doing so poorly when I acquired it, I'm really excited. I must be doing something right!

[cbuchman]

Shae - After 30-some years, I still get excited when I see a new root, leaf, fan, etc. 'cause I know that all that healthy growth leads to flowers at some point.

Sp you re doings something right! Well done!

[bellini girl]

[shaelyn]

I have an update with a question for you all.

my orchid is still growing nicely. she has a healthy aerial root growing on either side, and the leaf is slowly filling out. yay!

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...s/100_2855.jpg

down under the potting mix, though...well, I'm not sure what to make of it.
originally this plant had a system of brown, unhealthy-looking roots attached to black ugliness under the plant, and I kept most of it to anchor the plant, and also because it was nearly all the roots the poor thing had.
original picture taken at the time I repotted:
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...s/100_2768.jpg

so nooooow it looks like she's growing new roots as offshoot to the old ugly system:
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...s/100_2856.jpg

what should I do, guys? is this problematic, do I need to unpot her and snip all those bad roots to encourage good new growth while she's growing? or is it just because the roots don't get light and it really isn't a big deal?

[escualida]

I think it's fine, if it's growing new roots, no matter where they're from, it's a good sign and will provide nutrition to the plant. Just leave it and let it do it's thing

[The Orchid Kid]

those old roots look pretty much gone, but you don't wanna go repotting and trimming them off while the plant is starting to recover. Give it till next spring and clean up and repot then I reckon. At least that is my plan with a similar orchid I have!

[Ferns Daddy]

I wouldn't repot it until next year, let it get a good start then repot

[silken]

I agree, just leave it grow as it seems to be happy. Those old roots must have some life or there wouldn't be those lovely new root shoots coming from them.

It looks like a happy plant and must have really appreciated the re-pot. Come fall, give it a little cooler temps and good light and it will likely spike for you.

[shaelyn]

awesome! thank you guys!

[The Orchid Kid]

Silken - you reckon when the roots have gone that dull yellow-brown they are still alive and helping? I have a phal with a bunch of roots like this and was worried they were in first stages of rotting down.