Rescue phal with strange brown streaked roots.

[greenpassion]

I brought this phalaenopsis home from work several weeks ago. It had been inside of a pot full of water. I let it dry out after I repotted it. It did have some viable roots, but these roots that are around the top are fairly dehydrated looking and lots of brown spots and streaks on them. Any idea what this is? The plant itself looks pretty good. I now have her in a pure bark mix on a heat mat in an East window. But I am concerned about these roots.

[Roberta]

Those roots will keep the plant going until it grows some new ones. They don't look bad - and they are quite capable of keeping the plant hydrated. Even if the velamen (the white spongy coating) isn't in great shape, the root can passively move water by capillary action.

[greenpassion]

Good to know. I've been using kelp Max in the solution that I water it with, but I have not seen any signs of improvement yet. It's been almost 4 weeks. It was so soaking wet when I first brought it home I repotted it and fresh bark and let the roots dry out for about 8 days before I watered it again.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Good to know. I've been using kelp Max in the solution that I water it with, but I have not seen any signs of improvement yet. It's been almost 4 weeks. It was so soaking wet when I first brought it home I repotted it and fresh bark and let the roots dry out for about 8 days before I watered it again.

Orchids don't tend to do anything fast, so 4 weeks of "no action" is pretty normal. Keep up the kelp max at the frequency and concentration that Ray recommends, and don't be discouraged.

[greenpassion]

😊

[jkofferdahl]

I think your roots, unfortunately, are not in very good condition. The velamen is mostly dead on them from the appearance, though as Roberta said they may still pass water to the plant by capillary action. KelpMax is going to help, as will patience and TLC.

[greenpassion]

Well the roots that are in the mix are in better shape than these. In the original pot when I took it home the roots that you see in the pictures is what we're also on top of the media. the ones in the medium were for the most part all very green

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Well the roots that are in the mix are in better shape than these. In the original pot when I took it home the roots that you see in the pictures is what we're also on top of the media. the ones in the medium were for the most part all very green

Good news! That plant will thrive in your care!

[Merita]

Cheer up! I am using the Kelpmax in plants that had roots like that and I am very happy, in two weeks they are only branching and getting many new ones. I use kelpmax with a quarter teaspoon of fertilizer in a gallon of distilled water. Greetings.

[greenpassion]

Thank you John. I myself am so very sick it's unbelievable. I'm I'm hoping for the best. For the Orchid of course.!

---------- Post added at 12:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:10 AM ----------

My dogs are quite curious at how I odd my voice sounds. I've pretty much lost my voice and my usual expressions of love and affection is to them are quote Lost In The Wind if you will. But they sense my intentions and are doting to me still!

---------- Post added at 12:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 AM ----------

Three cheers and more to kelp Max!