First Orchid (Possible Stem Rot Problem)

[Orchid2017]

Hi everyone!

I just got my first orchid, a mini phalaenopsis, I can tell that this will be a lifetime hobby, so I wanted to join a good message board to learn as much as I can

So far, I have a few concerns, so I wanted to get your thoughts on a couple things I noticed:

-First, two leaves have a few discolored/indented areas on them. A local greenhouse thought it might be sunburn.
-Second, (and most concerning) was some blackening and spotting at the base of the stem where the roots connect.

During re-potting, about 30% of the interior roots were dead, there was mold in the center, and most of the other roots had dark spots, but were still green and firm. The orchid does have two large healthy-looking aerial roots though.
After that, I doused the roots with hydrogen peroxide, put a little cinnamon on the black sections, and re-potted it into a bark mix.
I also left the two flower spikes alone since they're in good shape.

What do you think? Will she be ok? And should I consider clipping the flowers to focus on roots/leaf growth?

On the bright side, the crown/rest of the plant looks healthy!

Thanks in advance!

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

You have done an excellent repotting job with your Phal. I think it will do well for you.

The spot is sunburn.

The remaining roots are very healthy, and there are plenty to support the flowers. I would not cut them.

The stem looks fine to me. I think the black part is old dead leaf, and not rot progressing up the stem.

The plant was kept too wet in the past, leading to root rot. But now it should grow well. Water it when the roots turn from green to white.

Again, Welcome!

[jkofferdahl]

I think your Phal looks fine, and I agree you've done a good job repotting it. You have great leaves, healthy roots, and pretty flowers.

I'd urge you in the future to handle root issues a bit differently. Using hydrogen peroxide, which is a very active oxidizer, on roots can damage and even destroy the velamin. You'd be far better off using Physan. Also, using cinnamon on roots can cause damage, as it severely dries them and again can destroy the velamin. Cinnamon is good on stems and leaves, but try to never get it on roots.

[Orchid2017]

Hi Estacion seca, it's good to know that the problems its having aren't serious; and thanks for the watering tip, the orchid is starting to look better every day now since the re-pot

Thanks Jkofferdahl, and for the advice on cinnamon and H2O2! I'll definitely avoid using them on the roots. One good thing was that my bottle of hydrogen peroxide was old and didn't fizz so I was actually wondering if it had worked at all lol