Phalaenopsis with white spots on roots

[mel82]

Hi everyone,

This may seem like a VERY obvious question, but my Phalaenopsis has white spots on the roots and they are turning brown and shrivelled, so my guessing is root rot???!!!

The leaves look ok, maybe a little droopy but I have also got a spike with 4 large buds on that look very healthy.

I've read about physan20, can you get this in the UK? and how exactly should I use it, could I just mix it in with watering? Should I repot? Will I lose my buds? Argh!

As you can see, I am very clueless so help would be appreciated... by the way, i would say I err on the side of underwatering not overwatering.

Any comments would be appreciated,

Thanks, Mel

[Neverend]

White spots on roots? Are the roots green and does it show only when it's wet? The roots should be silvery when dry (spots will only show when it's wet), if the white spots are bumps and show movement it could be a pest.. I won't rule out root rot, could also be a cause.

[mel82]

The roots are green but going brown with small white spots/clumps on it, looks like a fungus (def. not moving). On closer inspection, I think it is root rot as some roots appear to be soft.

Do you think I should cut off the soft brown roots and repot? Will this damage the buds?

[Ray]

Remember that rot is secondary. Tissue death has to occur first, so that's what you should be thinking about: what is causing that?

[mel82]

Hmm... red spots have started to appear on the roots now. They are not moving, does anyone know how I should treat?

[Neverend]

Uh oh I think I've seen that before, I'm not sure what it is but it seems to be a kind of fungus or bacteria, normally I will just cut the afflicted region away, and treat the plant with fungicides & bactericides. Sterilising the plant with 70% isopropyl alcohol can also be a preventive measure.

[Ray]

Another alternative is to cut away the bad parts, then dip the clean end in cinnamon. It will "seal" the wound, and is a good bactericide and fungicide to boot.

[mel82]

Thanks for the advice, will go sort it now. Fingers crossed!

[Neverend]

Oh yes I forgot about the useful cinnamon!

[Casey5]

My newest Phal also has white spots on the roots, but they are still green. The spots are quite distinct and form little clumps. I have only recently bought it from a garden place and don't know what their watering regime was like, but I may have overwatered since purchase. It is in a clear pot in bark and spots are quite obvious. Should I pull apart the roots & repot and dust with cinnamon?