Is this phal salvageable? - Orchid Board

RandomGemini · #1 08-26-2013, 02:30 PM

So, I got this orchid. To make a long story short, it was gifted to a friend and given to me to "save." I love the spattered looking blooms. I'd like to save it if I can, but I'm not sure how healthy it is, because I haven't seen roots this dry before, some of them look shriveled and feel papery. It looks like it might have some new aerial roots trying to grow though. One of the leaves has a split down the middle and another one has a torn corner. Not sure what I should do about that, if anything. Also, when I lifted it out of the ceramic pot, a couple of gnats flew out.

The other orchids in the house do NOT look this bad so I'm not sure where to begin. I have it separate from the other orchids for now, because my other orchids seem to be doing great and this one... well I'm afraid it has cooties.

So far, I have done nothing. I've left it to sit, but my gut's telling me "Repot! Repot it now!"

Anyway... here's some pictures of the damage. Any advice is helpful.

gdupont · #2 08-26-2013, 02:36 PM

Definitely salvageable! The orchid has seven leaves, full of energy to grow new roots. Some leaves may die in the process, though! Don't be concerned about the tear at the end of the leaf, not an issue at all.

What I WOULD be worried about, though, are the gnats. They have infested my plants, and although they are harmless, they are SO annoying. So you might wanna get rid of it from primarily that reason. They get into your food and all that and it really isn't any fun.

RandomGemini · #3 08-26-2013, 02:41 PM

That's why I want to repot it. I'm thinking that if I ditch the current potting media (it's in moss right now, and I have bark just sitting on my potting bench, taking up space) and repot it in bark then I would eliminate the gnat issue because the gnat eggs, colony and etc... will go into the garbage with the old media, in theory.

What's holding me back from repotting is that it's in bloom and I read somewhere that you shouldn't repot an orchid while it's in bloom because that can shock them, so I want to be sure that a repot is the right thing to do.

gdupont · #4 08-26-2013, 02:46 PM

Phalaenopsis are very tough orchids, i would suggest you cut off the flower stem and through it into a new pot asap before the gnats spread. It'll bloom again!

GregorK · #5 08-26-2013, 02:47 PM

i would give it a good soak in water, wait for flowers to fade and then repot in the mix you are usually using.

I agree with the gdupont. The only thing you should be woried about are gnats... pesticide perhaps? I am not familiar with using one... so can't help you with that.

Other than that the plant looks fine

And it has very nice blooms

regards
Gregor

Paphluvr · #6 08-26-2013, 03:20 PM

Yes, it's definitely salvageable! By repotting into fresh media you should be able to get rid of the gnat problem. As to whether to wait for the flowers to fade or removing the stem, I've not had a problem repotting Phal's while in bloom, although you may loose a few buds. Also, if you water it well before repotting you'll be able to tell the good roots from the dead ones, the good ones being green and the dead ones being brown or gray and mushy. Remove the dead ones before repotting. I would suggest a coarse bark mix and a pot that the roots just fit into (slight tucking allowed). Good luck!

RandomGemini · #7 08-26-2013, 04:02 PM

Okay, then I will get some bark soaking and get this orchid soaking too and repot the thing asap! I'll just get a few more pics of the blooms, in case any drop off.

I was thinking I would just remove it from the current clear pot and, after washing it and disinfecting it, put it back into the same pot. It doesn't appear to be crowded in the current pot at all, just gnats in the media and it being potted in moss. Moss is a recipe for disaster for me. I feel like bark gives me more freedom to water on a schedule and if I did that with moss, I would probably be asking for rotted roots.

RandomGemini · #8 08-26-2013, 05:56 PM

Repotted! Haven't seen any signs of gnats since removing the moss! The moss was densely packed and soaking wet in the center, so, no surprise, there were a few rotted roots. I discovered that the original pot that the plant came with was actually too deep for me to put the clear pot back into now that it's potted with bark, so I found a pot that the clear pot's lip catches on the edge of. Plenty of room for drainage at the bottom of this new pot and I can easily lift it out to water it.

Thanks for your help!