Basic Steps to saving a troubled orchid?

[homebrewdude]

Any fool proof steps to saving orchids with little roots remaining.

Speaking of phals.

I am assuming warm temps and high humidity?
Any methods I should be looking at?

[billc]

I think your real question should be what got me to this point. Saving the plant won't accomplish much unless you figure out what the problem is with your conditions. Good culture usually equals good plants.
Phals like it warm. Shoot for minimum 60F. They can take cooler temps but let's shoot for 60F.
The roots need moisture but also need to breathe, that's why they do so well when mounted. In a pot a chunky mix is best so air can circulate through the mix.
Humidity is good(they are tropical plants)60-80% RH is optimal but they will do fine at lower RH.
They need air flow. The plant can't transpire unless there is movement in the air.
As far as saving the plant with no roots, you can try a dose of seaweed extract, Kelpmax, or some other kind of rooting hormone on the base of the plant and keep it moist and warm. You might get lucky.
I don't think there's a foolproof method. Otherwise we wouldn't have a forum with 7,000+ entries about "How do I save my rootless plant"

Bill

[WhiteRabbit]

Are there any roots?

[Dave S.]

I use live long fibered sphagnum moss kept damp to encourage roots for a phal. I agree that you should first keep the plant in ideal growing conditions.

Your plant needs to send out roots to search for water, so damp is better than wet in my view.

How did your plant lose the roots?
Did the roots rot (e.g too much water) or crumble apart (e.g. too dry) or were they damaged/cut?

[james mickelso]

Here's a picture of how to use long fiber sphagnum moss. It needs to be placed loosely around the root area.
This is the amount you place around the roots. A little wad of moss at a time until it is all around the roots or root area. Than keep it just damp.

[homebrewdude]

what is this shag and bag method I have read people mention?

[Optimist]

sphag, not shag.

[Dave S.]

Some people use a ziplock bag with damp sphagnum moss as a temporary measure to encourage rooting. It does keep the humidity high and give the plant a good medium to start roots, but it could also lead to rotting your plant.

I would not suggest this with your case, as I think it could lead to rot without good air movement.

[Cym Ladye]

If you haven't already, you might read the sticky at the top of this Beginner Forum on "The Phal Abuse Stops here". Lots of great info in response to your problem, which we will only be repeating here.

Cym Ladye