Phalaenopsis New roots starting to have black spots

[louisetee]

Hi all,

I have a small Phalaenopsis that I rescued from being under te sun since 2 weeks ago. So far it was doing great and has been growing new roots. Yesterday I noticed the new roots slowly having black spots and it is more evident today. I have attached a picture for comparison. The top pic was taken last week and bottom pic today. The roots have grown longer but accompanied with black spots.

Is this normal? I live in Malaysia and this particular plant is watered maybe once a week and occasionally misted.

[euplusia]

The green tip of growing roots is most important. There you can see if the conditions are good. I would not worry too much about the fine spots. But eventually water more often and check water quality and fertilizer.

[Ray]

If the medium is drying out and the root tips are coming in contact with something dry - bark, moss, etc.. - they could be drying out, causing the necrosis. You might try to water more often, being sue the mix is still good and airy.


Ray Barkalow
firstrays.com

[louisetee]

Originally Posted by Ray

If the medium is drying out and the root tips are coming in contact with something dry - bark, moss, etc.. - they could be drying out, causing the necrosis. You might try to water more often, being sue the mix is still good and airy.


Ray Barkalow
firstrays.com

So this is caused by the medium being too dry?

---------- Post added at 08:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 PM ----------

Originally Posted by euplusia

The green tip of growing roots is most important. There you can see if the conditions are good. I would not worry too much about the fine spots. But eventually water more often and check water quality and fertilizer.

Would you recommend watering more often?

[Ray]

Only you can answer those questions.

If the medium is drying out regularly, then the answer is likely "yes".


Ray Barkalow
firstrays.com

[Optimist]

although a lot of phalenopsis growing guides say let the medium dry out between waterings, they don't mean bone dry. They kind of mean squeezed out sponge dry. Why not put a top dressing of some moss on the top of the roots.

[louisetee]

Originally Posted by Optimist

although a lot of phalenopsis growing guides say let the medium dry out between waterings, they don't mean bone dry. They kind of mean squeezed out sponge dry. Why not put a top dressing of some moss on the top of the roots.

I've tried putting moss at the top but it always cause the roots and plant to look like its rotting.

Even though Malaysia is a humid place, where I stay in Malaysia is always super hot. I'm at a dilemma now, growing using moss and bark mix, or just bark.

Maybe I need to move the orchids to a different part of the house, that patio seems to not be agreeing with the orchids.