Yellow leaves - Page 2 - Orchid Board

jessi382 · #11 07-08-2013, 12:52 AM

Hello! I uploaded some photos..the roots are black and soft and a few have some strings dangling from it. I also feel like it is very top heavy and it keeps tilting....

jessi382 · #12 07-08-2013, 12:55 AM

Here is some more...

jessi382 · #13 07-08-2013, 12:56 AM

The leaves

james mickelso · #14 07-08-2013, 01:06 AM

The black mushy roots can be cut off with a sterile razor blade. I dab cinnamon on the cut end but it's just what I do. It helps to cauterize the cut end wound. The other roots are fine just old. The leaves look fine. Is this the pot it is planted in? Hopefully it is an outer decorative pot and the real pot is inside this one. And...if this is so, put some small rocks or gravel underneath the inner pot to raise it up a little so you can get some air flow through the inner pot and roots. Thanks for the pics.

jessi382 · #15 07-08-2013, 01:11 AM

Yes it is a decorative pot...there is an inner one with holes at the bottom...thank you for all the information!! It helped a lot!

jessi382 · #16 07-09-2013, 10:00 AM

Hello again! I just had a few more questions...the roots at the top of the plant the ones that are silver seem very dry...the tips are not green at all...should I keep them moist? Or are they dead? Also it is very top heavy..it's leaning over a lot I think bc there are not enough roots to keep it in place...is this ok? Thanks again!

RosieC · #17 07-09-2013, 10:14 AM

Agree with the above, but just a note that if you use cinnamon on the roots do only as James says, a little dab on the cut end. Don't go covering the roots in it. Too many people (including me) as not realised that cinnamon will dry out the roots too much if used more liberally and will kill the remaining root if you are not careful.

james mickelso · #18 07-09-2013, 10:16 AM

Yes. Good point Rosie. Just dab it on the end that has been cut.

jessi382 · #19 07-09-2013, 10:17 AM

Thanks Rosie! Now do u have to use anything...or can u just cut them and leave them...I also had a concern about the silver roots at the top...

james mickelso · #20 07-09-2013, 10:29 AM

Just water this once a week and let it recouperate. You can tie it into the pot with floral tape or just leave it sit on top the media. This doesn't need to be that stable as the roots usually grow along the surface of a tree trunk or limb. Orchids are slow growing and this will take time to heal and grow a new root/leaf. Patience.