I'm troubled by the Yellow Root Color and Texture

[Cintirella]

I just need to know, what does it means the Yellow color on my Phal Orchid roots? They aren't mushy, they are firm and so is the leaves. I did find a small black stain on the crown which I'm thinking is rot? The plant is massive with 3 stems done blooming few weeks back. I cut the stems and re potted on Miracle grow medium for Orchids. The plant has a new leaf on the center and only 1 leaf dropped by itself. It wasn't the last one at the bottom but the one above it. Can anyone advise? Thanks Actually: I decided to put her back in the see through pot again so I can keep a close eye on the roots. I couldn't even wait for a reply. The roots are massive, she barely fits in the pot but at least I can see whats going on in there. She seems very strong leaves and roots. It's just the tinted yellowish that had me alarmed.

[Bill U.]

Oftentimes when phal roots are deep within their pots and they aren't exposed to light they will develop a yellowish to a creamy color because they are not photosynthesizing, therefore not activating the green chlorophyll. If they are firm and not showing signs of mush, I would say that you are fine. If you repotted into a see-though pot, most of the roots should be green with only the ones closest to the middle (getting the least light) should be a yellow-y color.

As for the dark black stain in the crown, I couldn't really tell due to the pictures being so dark. If there is a dark stain and it hasn't been exposed to direct sunlight, you can treat with applying rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide with a Q-tip to try to sterilize that area. Sometimes the lower leaves drop a little out of order, it shouldn't be too much to be concerned about.

With all of this potting- make sure to monitor the progress of roots and leaves for any changes- good or bad. I have heard that the Micacle-Gro medium has the tendency to be extremely water-retentive and bordering on the "fine" side of media size, but if it works for your environment-go for it, just keep a close eye on watering.

[Kiliki85]

If you can't find clear pots in you area a quart size drink bottle or a half gallon size milk jug make a great 3 and 4 inch pots. Just have to put some drainage holes in the bottom. I like to put slits in the side for better airflow.

[Abbie9]

I agree with Bill, be cautious with that Miracle Grow Orchid potting mix... I've never heard good things come from using that with Phals. I prefer something with much better drainage quality, like a bigger bark mix.

[Cintirella]

Thank you for your prompt reply. yes I do let them get light through the see through pot, then at night I put them back in their vase. I did applied peroxide with a Qtip. Whew, I just pray is not rot, and I'm keeping a super close eye on it. It was a Valentine's present from hubby and don't want to loose her. She's Yellow with inside red. I love her and named her Valentina.

---------- Post added at 12:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:16 PM ----------

Actually, I had a awesome Orchid plant 2 years ago for mother's day and before I gave it away, I re-poted with Miracle Grow for Orchids, and guess what? ... That plant I gave my friend, has been blooming every year and it's the blocks envy since she keeps it outside. ( She lives in Fla) so I'm surprised it has trived that way on that heat and enviroment. But to tell you the truth, I rather buy the bark. Better drainage.

---------- Post added at 12:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 PM ----------

Thank you Bill for your reply. The roots are very firm, that's what puzzled me. Not one is mushy, but that yellow scared me. I do expose them to light often then put them back in the vase. The roots are massive, and that worried me. They seem cram in there. But I decided to put her back in the see tru pot, that way I can monitor.

---------- Post added at 12:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 PM ----------

I got 2 made and ready for it. But for now I put her back in the original pot.

[Bill U.]

Hmm maybe it's just something that they just haven't gotten that amount of light needed to photosynthesize? I also know that I have a few of my phal roots that are closer to the top of the mix that have kind-of changed color - some sort of yellow/brown that almost looks "woody" but there are a few in the very center that I saw from my last repot that are yellow.

The peroxide should help. If you see or even suspect any spreading of the black, re-apply the peroxide or kick it up to the rubbing alcohol. Some may suggest the use of a fungicide or cutting it out, but not knowing what it is, nor being able to clearly see it, I would go with that route right now.

Massive roots are a wonderful thing! I know that it may be a little concerning when your roots are kinda jam-packed, but many times, that's when phals are the happiest! Eventually when there doesn't seem to be any potential for air flow/drying out takes forever, then it might be time to think of repotting one pot size up.

[Cintirella]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I'm adding 2 more pix for better view. I'm scared big time. I don't want to loose her.