root life span

[Silviu]

Hy, I have my phal for about 3-4 months now, it's been doing well. It was in blom when I got it and it gave out 3 more blooms to a total of 9 flowers. Since I got it the surface roots seemed dried up (not the normal silvery look), one thick root in particular has a dark spot also, but till now it was firm to the touch. But now I see it's starting to shrivel up even though I spray the surface roots between watering.

Is it normal for roots to die off because they're old ? The plant looks a bit old, it has 2 previous spikes and about 6 leaves.

Or maybe the flowering took out the power from the phal ?

Should I cover up the surface roots also ? The roots beneath the surface look nice and healthy

PS: the first 2 photos are frim 2 months ago and the last one is from today

[astrid]

Phals live on trees in nature, so in nature their roots aren't even covered at all!

You can and should leave your top phal roots bare. Additionally, phalaenopsis orchids grow air roots, which are meant to hang out in the air, and you should never cut those and you don't have to put them down in the pot, either.

Some say never to put air roots in the pot under the bark media, but I have done it and they were not negatively affected.

The roots on this plant look nice, fat, and healthy. I don't see anything wrong with them, and the top ones are probably just a little bit dry, and that's okay.
They really don't look bad to me.

Your phal has many healthy looking roots, so if a few shrivel, that is not too bad.

I personally would put a LOT more holes into the sides of your pot for ventilation, but that is your choice and not everyone does it.

[Orchidgirl83]

I agree the roots look really good. My exposed roots sometimes turn brownish like that too, they are still healthy and turn green when watered. I think I have read that that may happen because of hard water. You may want to repot your plant, as the bark looks like it is fairly old and starting to break down.

[Silviu]

tnx for the info. I guess I'll repot it after the flowers fall, should I get a larger pot also ?

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by Silviu

tnx for the info. I guess I'll repot it after the flowers fall, should I get a larger pot also ?

Usually just go back to same sized pot if the roots will fit in there. You don't want to over pot.

[astrid]

Originally Posted by Silviu

tnx for the info. I guess I'll repot it after the flowers fall, should I get a larger pot also ?

Phalaenopsis orchids really like their roots to be hugged by the pot. That pot looks like the correct size. Always pot your phalaenopsis orchid based on root system size, never pot based on the leaf size!