Need help with stressed/recovering Phal (lacking roots, yellowing leaves)

[onyxorchids]

Hello! I have a phal I'm determined to save, and as I'm still extremely new to this hobby I would love a second opinion on what to do.

I recently received my first orchid from a family friend who was also new to orchids. And while it certainly doesn't make me appreciate the gift any less, I've since dealt with a lot of issues that had previously gone unnoticed (mealybug infestation, severe root rot, etc.). This phal has been through a lot lately. : (

We are now mealybug-free, repotted into fresh & non-broken-down media (medium orchid bark), the spike has been cut to conserve energy, and all rotten roots have been removed. Unfortunately, that left it with only one actually decent-looking root.

My routine has been to mist its good root and the non-dying leaves as often during daytime as possible, without leaving anything damp 24/7, and without letting any water collect in the crown area. I let it dry from evening on/overnight. I've been using an orchid spray-fertilizer as per its instructions (weakly, weekly).

I've included pictures - the phal now appears to be losing at least 2 of its bottom leaves, likely because it simply can't sustain them anymore. This is shown in the most recent photo.

So, my question is whether anyone has any additional advice on how to save a stressed orchid lacking roots? I've read advice ranging from treating it about the same as any other resting orchid, to the sphag 'n bag method (which I may try once removing the dead leaves is easier; don't want moisture encouraging rot) - but without much experience it's difficult to know which to follow. Anything at all would be much appreciated!!

I also have one quick question regarding my other phal (a mini), simply what to do about two odd-looking roots - one appears almost fluffy like sphagnum moss, and the other is thin, brown, and woody, but with seemingly healthy tissue on either side. I don't want to cut anything unless it's necessary - last 2 pictures are of the mini's roots.

Again, sorry if this ended up a little lengthy, but I'd very much appreciate anything any of you have to add!! : )

[Dollythehun]

Don't cut. The fluffy stuff is stuck on moss. No worries.

[onyxorchids]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Don't cut. The fluffy stuff is stuck on moss. No worries.

Thank you Dollythehun! Very glad to have any answers, that's one less thing to worry about! : )

[fooferdoggie]

I cant remember if I had this guy mounted or in a pot when it lost almost all its roots. so I tried this instead of s/h as it would not stay in a pot. took awhile before roots got going but it did then it bloomed. wonderful fragrant flowers.

[Ray]

Your plant looks to be reacting to getting too little moisture. Phalaenopsis prefer constant moisture, while keeping the potting medium open and airy, warmth and shade.

You can accelerate the recovery by applying KelpMax, available in Canada from C & C Orchids in Hamilton ON. Ccorchids.ca

[onyxorchids]

Originally Posted by fooferdoggie

I cant remember if I had this guy mounted or in a pot when it lost almost all its roots. so I tried this instead of s/h as it would not stay in a pot. took awhile before roots got going but it did then it bloomed. wonderful fragrant flowers.

Just to clarify, you're suggesting a full water culture method, then? That definitely sounds like something I could try, especially if it gave you such good results. Thank you very much for your input!

Originally Posted by Ray

Your plant looks to be reacting to getting too little moisture. Phalaenopsis prefer constant moisture, while keeping the potting medium open and airy, warmth and shade.

You can accelerate the recovery by applying KelpMax, available in Canada from C & C Orchids in Hamilton ON. Ccorchids.ca

Thank you very much for your assessment, Ray! I will definitely take a good look at its current conditions and see if I can improve them to better match your description. And I think I remember reading something about kelp fertilizer, will definitely look into KelpMax now!


Everyone's been very helpful! I'm regaining hope for my poor Phal, haha : )

[fooferdoggie]

yes full water seems good for them if they have lost their roots. it would cause the old roots to die so I would not want a healthy plant to have to get used it it. I use the typical 1 tablespoon per gal fertilizer and about 1/3 to 1/2" teaspoon per gallon. I change the water once a week. its even less work then s/h.

[Ray]

KelpMax is not a fertilizer, it is a plant growth stimulant that also provides proteins, vitamins, and amino acids that fertilizers do not; stuff that is provided by native microorganisms in nature.

[BellaOrquidea]

Here are my two cents as I’m currently trying to bring a few orchids back to life and all of them have completely lost their roots. I’m experimenting as well and here are my results so far. All of them are currently being grown outside in a full shade spot (only because inside they grow fungus since is colder)

One in s/h is already growing a new tiny root
One in sphagnum and it’s keeping the one root moist but not producing new ones yet.
Two in bag with a strip of micro fiber and they are moist but no roots being created yet.

All of these orchids have received a dose of the Quantum Orchid Probiotic from RePot me which is labeled to encourage root growth and fast recovery from stress.

[onyxorchids]

Originally Posted by fooferdoggie

yes full water seems good for them if they have lost their roots. it would cause the old roots to die so I would not want a healthy plant to have to get used it it. I use the typical 1 tablespoon per gal fertilizer and about 1/3 to 1/2" teaspoon per gallon. I change the water once a week. its even less work then s/h.

Sounds great, I think I'll be looking into giving this a try. Thank you for the additional info!!

Originally Posted by Ray

KelpMax is not a fertilizer, it is a plant growth stimulant that also provides proteins, vitamins, and amino acids that fertilizers do not; stuff that is provided by native microorganisms in nature.

Ah, my bad - I suppose I confused it with something similar, as I'm still quite new to this. But very good to know! Sounds like it could be very helpful. Thanks : )

Originally Posted by BellaOrquidea

Here are my two cents as I’m currently trying to bring a few orchids back to life and all of them have completely lost their roots. I’m experimenting as well and here are my results so far. All of them are currently being grown outside in a full shade spot (only because inside they grow fungus since is colder)

One in s/h is already growing a new tiny root
One in sphagnum and it’s keeping the one root moist but not producing new ones yet.
Two in bag with a strip of micro fiber and they are moist but no roots being created yet.

All of these orchids have received a dose of the Quantum Orchid Probiotic from RePot me which is labeled to encourage root growth and fast recovery from stress.

Thank you for sharing your results so far! Semi-hydro sounds promising, along with the probiotic you mentioned. Looks like I have more options than I initially realized, which is definitely a good thing! : )