Unpot Newly Potted Phal Because of One Rotten Root?

[Ginger9899]

This is probably obvious or at least not something I should be thinking so hard about. But, I am so I would like to know the lesser of the two evils here.

I purchased a Phal ('Polka Dots') and enjoyed it's blooms for a month or so and repotted it because although it's roots looked good, it was in either a peat/bark mix, or a badly broken down bark mix. I potted it into a clear pot with air holes in a medium/large bark mix (w/perlite, charcoal) and added a little CHC. It's potted up so nice and now a couple weeks later I see a rotten root across the bottom of the pot. I'm not worried about rotten roots, tons of others roots look great and I imagine this was just one on its way out that I should have cut when repotting but didn't.

My question is, should I unpot this phal to trim off the big rotten root at the bottom then pot up again, or should I ignore the one rotten root and let it be since it was just repotted and is trying to establish.

Thank you for your advice and patience.

[RandomGemini]

I'd unpot it and remove the dead root and find out why it's rotten. There could be more going on inside that pot than you can see. Phals bounce back from repotting pretty quickly compared to most other orchids. I'd worry about repotting an orchid if the roots are very fine. Phal roots should be about pencil thick. Much tougher than people give them credit for.

[tucker85]

I don't think you should repot. Take good care of your phal and it should be fine. It helps that you have your plant in a clear pot so you can keep an eye on the other roots and be confident that the rot is not spreading. Good luck.

[Ginger9899]

And there you go! Two members whose advice I respect with two different good points. Makes me feel a little better for going back and forth about it myself for days. I felt like it was a 6 of one half a dozen of another type of thing.

Thanks very much for the information both of you.

[RandomGemini]

tucker does make a good point. If it's just the one root, then it makes sense to wait and see what happens. If you see the rot spreading, you can still take it out of the pot later, that option will always be there.

Me, I wouldn't, not if I had just repotted and I saw no signs of new growth yet.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Regardless, I would go a little drier on the water. Meaning, water a bit less often (but each time, continue to water thoroughly).

Since you have a clear pot, keep an eye on the other roots. If you see other roots starting to go, then maybe consider re-potting.

See? Now you have a third opinion that goes right down the middle between the other two opinions!

[Ginger9899]

Ha ha, now it is complete, all paths to take have merit.

Stupid root! I remember it being yellow when I repotted it, but I'm pretty sure it was firm so I left it.

[tucker85]

My apologies to RandomGemini. I usually try not to disagree with another members point but we must have been typing at the same time and I didn't see your comment. I think this is one of those times when there really isn't a clear right or wrong way to do it. There certainly isn't anything wrong with repotting like RandomGemini suggests.

[RandomGemini]

Nothing wrong with disagreement. No offense taken or apologies needed!

[Ginger9899]

I think it is great for a beginner like myself to see more than one view, as everyone usually gives their opinion with an explanation and details. Often there is no straight yes or no answer, and I still find lots of value in all viewpoints in situations like these.

Thank you again everyone!