New to Orchids - Root Concerns

[ChezaBelle]

I have been interested in orchids for a year or so now but was always afraid to take the plunge. For Valentine's Day this year my husband surprised me with one from the supermarket. I have read many times that this is not the best place to purchase orchids, but want to give the pretty little guy the best chance possible!

My biggest concern is the roots. The plant is clearly too large for the pot and has two flower spikes.


I am hoping the picture shows this clearly. There is a dark green discoloration on the root at the crown? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[nicola]

Welcome,
Your orchid, from what I can see, seems in perfect health.
Roots exposed to light tend to turn green, especially when wet.
Your orchid, seems to be a Phalaenopsis.
If you have not already seen it, there is an interesting post on Phalaenopsis, here
The Phal abuse ends here..
Once it will have ended flowering, you may repot, that is a good time to check the condition of the roots.
Best wishes to you and your 'pretty little guy'
Nicola

[catherinecarney]

Welcome to Orchidboard (and orchid addiction)!

I agree you have a phalaenopsis, and it looks like it's in good shape from your picture. Phals have roots that are silvery grey when dry and will turn green when wet. Also, most orchids (phals included) do better in pots that are relatively small for their size since the media drys out faster and you are less at risk for root rot. Your phal looks like a pretty good fit for the pot it's in. When you do repot, you may want to go with a pot that's only slightly bigger.

Here in central Ohio I grow my phals in a chunky bark mix (bark, charcoal, and large perlite) in an east facing window and water them when they're mostly dry. My house conditions are rather humid even in the winter (40%), so if your house is drier you may find your plant needs more water or a different mix. Bottom line, your plant will tell you if it's happy or not....

Hope this helps!

Catherine

[wintergirl]

Welcome to OrchidBoard

[WhiteRabbit]

[estación seca]

Welcome!

[camille1585]

Welcome to orchidboard!!

Most orchids like to be snug in their pots, that way the medium dried out more evenly and quickly. When repotting the plant will often fit in the same pot size for at least a few years. And pot sized is always based on the size of the root mass, and not the size of the above ground part of the plant.


Weird staining or discoloration on the part of the roots that are not in the pot is normal, it's usually staining from the bark or fertilizer, or just from drying out. It won't harm the plant at all.

If you slid the transparent pot out of the cache pot, how do the roots look?