HELP!! All my roots are black

[MrsOakley]

I'm brand spanking new to these beautiful complicated creatures and I noticed the leaves on my phal orchid drooping over the last few weeks. I read a bunch of articles and reviewed videos on YouTube but nothing has told me what to do when there doesn't look to be a single root to save, THEY ARE ALL BLACK Please help, I'd really love to save her. I attached a picture, hopefully you can see it.

Sincerest,
Christina

[MrsH530]

Sorry to hear about your orchid

There was just a great discussion posted about roots and when to snip them off and when not to: Not all roots are dead

Take a look at that to help determine which to cut. I'm still a beginner here, so please someone correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it you should cut any roots that are mushy. If they aren't I would leave them be. Then get some Dyna-Gro KLN root hormone (or similar), and soak the plant in it to stimulate root growth, then depending on how many viable roots you have (if you have almost none), you could to a sphag and bag (google that or search the forum).

I've currently got 2 phals in ICU that have been there for about a week. Fingers crossed for us both!!

[KrissieLynn]

Go to that thread, and also there is a thread called "Any advise for a beginner" - I went into some detail, along with a couple other members, about ways to save phals with few or no roots. I used a Tupperware bowl and a gallon sized ziplock bag, and soaked mine in a tablespoon of half strength 20-10-20 fertilizer mixed witha 1/3 cup water before putting it in the bowl. I now have 2 roots and a leaf growing from one that essentially had nothing.

---------- Post added at 09:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 PM ----------

I think my comment is on page 4 or 5 of the "Any advise for a beginner" thread.

[Silje]

Wopsi! Well, it happens to all of us. And, root rot and struggling phalaenopsis must be some of the most common reasons why people find their way to the OrchidBoard! Welcome!

Your orchid looks like it's in a tough spot. If you're really sure you want to try to save it, read up on the 'Phal Abuse ends here' thread and do a OB search on 'phal rescue' and see what you come up with.

When that is said, it's worth mentioning that orchids (perhaps despite their reputation amongst people that don't own one) are survivors and if you do give them a proper chance to survive and recover, they often take you up on that offer.

Good luck!