Please help! Phal has very dry roots.

[Lan Anh]

I am pretty much a beginner with orchids, I like them a lot but I've never had much of a green thumb. As a gift for starting college, my boyfriend got me a small Phalaenopsis and I have been trying my hardest to make sure it is happy. I got it in September, and it has bloomed up until now fairly successfully.

Recently, I have run into some problems with it. At first, looking at the leaves it seemed to have some spots so I tried putting some cinnamon on it, physan, ect. It's only been a few weeks since then but I think there is something I should be more worried about.

Now, my bigger problem is the roots seem to be not getting enough water, or can't get enough water. I'm pretty sure I need to water it more (I have been giving it 2 ice cubes once a week) but I don't know how much I should increase the amount by. In any case, I tried a suggestion from an online source to soak the roots in a bath of lukewarm water and the top section of the roots has become a bit greener as you can see in the photo.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to save this plant I would be grateful. I live in GA, and the plant has decent light from a windowsill. There is little air current except for the breeze from the door which is next to it. The bright side is 3-4 weeks ago it grew a new leaf so I'm hoping all is not lost yet.

Any and all help is appreciated.

[AnonYMouse]

Of what roots I see, they look fine. The media (sphagnum moss, I assume) looks degraded and can be replaced. Carefully unpot and take a peek at the roots, see if any are mushy. Remove any mushy roots. Find a proper pot just large enough to fit the roots and pot with new media (chunky orchid mix).

The ice cube watering is NOT recommended by most people, nor is planting in sphag moss. Doesn't work for most of us.

If you use chunky orchid mix, soak in hot water overnight prior to potting. You'll have to soak to water the first few weeks. Water when the mix is approaching dry/roots are white. Keep water away from the junction (axil) of the leaves.

I'm not seeing spots on the leaves. Maybe a little abrasion, can't tell.

A couple of threads that might be helpful:
The Phal abuse ends here
Using skewers to determine when to water

[Orchid Whisperer]

Chunky orchid media can be a variety of materials, but the most common is sold as "orchid bark". Remove all moss and repot into the smallest pot that will hold the roots.

I agree that you should skip the ice cube watering method. After the plant is repotted into bark, water the bark very thoroughly at th sink, then wait until the bark is nearly dry before watering again (this is how you should always water).

I see you are in Georgia. If you are anywhere close to Athens, consider joining the Northeast Georgia Orchid Society. Membership is free. We meet at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, third Sunday each month, 2:00 pm. You can PM me if you would like more information.

[Lan Anh]

Thank you both for your help. I removed a couple of roots but the majority of them seem to be in good shape. As far as orchid bark/orchid mix goes, do you have any recommendations?

In addition, this is what I am seeing on the underside of the plant. Are these black spots/white blemishes anything to be worried about?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Recommendation for orchid bark: YOu can buy this for $5 or $6 at any Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart or similar store with a garden center. Better Gro and Fafard are good brands. I don't use the Miracle Gro brand but some people complain about it. There are probably other good brands. The main thing you want is that it should look like bark, or bark mixed with perlite, charcoal, etc., and it should not look like potting soil.