Root Problem: Moldy and Shriveled!

[Abbyr20]

Hello Everyone,
Thank you for reading this. I purchased a Phalaenopsis orchid from a grocery store a few weeks ago. I did not know anything about them when I bought it, so I did not know what to look for. The original vase did not have any drainage holes, and it stayed in that for 2 weeks while my new pots were shipping to me. I just re-potted it in a well draining pot, but a few of the roots are moldy! I do not know what I am supposed to do. The plant itself seems very healthy, but those roots do not look good. I will include a picture of the roots. I just need to know what to do! I am very worried.

Thank you!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

For the time being do not water often.

It is not necessary to add or do anything.

Just let it air out a bit before watering again.

New roots will eventually grow out. Give it time. You might not see significant growth during the winter months. Once spring rolls around, it will boom.

[Abbyr20]

Dear Phillip,
Thank you so much for your reply! I will do that.

-Abby

[aliceinwl]

If it has some live roots in the media, it helps to have at least one up against the side of the pot. When the root is silver water, when it’s green don’t. A few dead roots in a new acquisition that was not originally potted properly are to be expected.

If you can’t position a root against the side of the pot, check out the sticky about using skewers to gauge moisture or get a feel for how heavy the pot is dry versus wet.

You want to shoot for having the substrate almost dry before you water and have it dry within a week. If you keep it too wet too long, Phals are prone to root rot.

[Abbyr20]

Dear Alice,
Thank you for the help!

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

It has enough living roots to recover nicely. White fuzzy mold only grows on already dead tissue, so it won't further harm your plant. The roots likely died from being wet without sufficient air, and from low winter temperatures.

There is a great thread here for learning to grow Phalaenopsis orchids. From the left yellow menu click on Forums, then Beginners. Near the top look for the sticky thread The Phal abuse ends here.

[Abbyr20]

Dear eatación seca,

Thank you so much for the advice! I heatedly appreciate it.