Second opinion on my wilting phal! - Orchid Board

Apricot · #1 10-09-2013, 08:17 PM

Hello all!

About a week ago I have noticed that my first phal's leaves have wilted to the wrinkled state that they are in now. I have stopped watering her and have increased the humidity of the room (with a humidifier) to help it along. Right now it's just hanging out in a plastic container with a wet sponge (roots are not touching the sponge). The leaves have not gotten better and I'm not sure what else I can change to make sure she survives and eventually flourish. This evening I went to inspect the root system and noticed that the majority of the roots and one of the bloom spikes (blooms have been falling off one at a time) are all connected to this very dry looking base (picture attached). I want the plant to be healthy and I'm not sure if its alright to leave this dried off section attached to the orchid. Any suggestion will help. I just want her to look as healthy as she did when I got her.

Advanced thanks for all the help.

orchidsarefun · #2 10-09-2013, 08:26 PM

I would cut off the spikes and then wrap the roots in sphagnum moss that should be kept slightly moist. Hopefully that would kickstart a recovery.

kindrag23 · #3 10-09-2013, 08:44 PM

I agree with @Orchidsarefun, on a good note though I THINK (I am as blind as a bat) I see new growths coming in on the second picture close to the spike. Also does look like you caught it in time Looks like some of the roots are still healthy looking.

Apricot · #4 10-09-2013, 08:47 PM

Thanks for the replies. There are two spikes on it right now.. Should I cut both? And leave all the roots in place even though the stem it is connected to looks very dry?

kindrag23 · #5 10-09-2013, 08:56 PM

Yes cut off the spikes as close to the base as you can without hurting the stalk, wrap in slightly wet sphagnum and allow to stay damp, I might even suggest the use of rooting hormones (I use gro more seaweed extract) To hopefully get the rooting growth started. Also just so you know once the leaves get wrinkly they almost never come back from that. But again this still has some decent looking roots so there is still a chance.

isurus79 · #6 10-09-2013, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apricot

And leave all the roots in place even though the stem it is connected to looks very dry?

Could you explain this a bit? The stem should always be dry, so I think your stem might different than my stem.

Wild Orchid · #7 10-09-2013, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I would cut off the spikes and then wrap the roots in sphagnum moss that should be kept slightly moist. Hopefully that would kickstart a recovery.

I agree with the suggestion to cut the spikes but disagree, if I may, with the 2nd one oto wrap the moss around the roots.
I did manage to save some Phals this way, but more often than not, this extra moisture that moss supplies results in a base rot - one small but black spot spreading into the stem. Somehow fungus is always ahead of the game as opposed the roots.
Personally, I think the moist sponge in the cup provides enough of moisture to encourage root growth. Spraying the base once a day with the seaweed extract may help as well.

Good luck.

Apricot · #8 10-09-2013, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

Could you explain this a bit? The stem should always be dry, so I think your stem might different than my stem.

I'm just trying to describe how the base where the roots are attached look very brown and not alive (dry), as opposed to being attached to the livelier, greener stem.

---------- Post added at 08:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:17 PM ----------

I think I will cut the two spikes and try to get my hands on some seaweed extract tomorrow. It's been cloudy lately here in New York so could the lack of sunlight be affecting it?

kindrag23 · #9 10-09-2013, 09:23 PM

i dont think so we had two days of cold weather and rain and mine are all still doing okay if not thriving...

isurus79 · #10 10-09-2013, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apricot

I'm just trying to describe how the base where the roots are attached look very brown and not alive (dry), as opposed to being attached to the livelier, greener stem.

Ok, I see what you mean. For what its worth, I think orchidsarefun's advice is spot on.

However, Wild Orchid has a good point about spag leading to rot if used incorrectly. Just make sure that your plant is sitting above the spag and very little green part of the Phal is immersed within the spag. Also make sure that the spag is not sopping wet.