Phalaenopsis struggling to grow roots

[aliceinwl]

If you do decide to go the reptile heat mat route follow the installation instructions. Most reptile heat mats are not water resistant and many run around 120 degrees Fahrenheit if not operated with something like a rheostat to regulate temperature.

I typically pot up my rootless wonders in bark in 3inch diameter clear slotted plastic pots. I can see the roots and media through the pot and use color as an indicator of when to water. Because the pots are small, the bark dries out within 5-7 days. It’s also very important that the plant doesn’t move around in the pot because any jarring could damage any new root tips trying to grow. I’ll use a bamboo skewer of someyhing similar as a stake and tie the plant to it.

I attached shots of one of my rescues. It had some rot issues in the crown hence the cinnamon to dry it out and one viable root (first picture). The photos were taken about 3 months after repotting and its first new root (second picture) was just under an inch. It’s a slow process at room temperature (low 70s for me). I’m expecting this one to take at least a year (maybe 2) to fully recover. Heat and a root growth stimulator should speed up the process for you.

Good luck!

[lemonslice27]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

If you do decide to go the reptile heat mat route follow the installation instructions. Most reptile heat mats are not water resistant and many run around 120 degrees Fahrenheit if not operated with something like a rheostat to regulate temperature.

I typically pot up my rootless wonders in bark in 3inch diameter clear slotted plastic pots. I can see the roots and media through the pot and use color as an indicator of when to water. Because the pots are small, the bark dries out within 5-7 days. It’s also very important that the plant doesn’t move around in the pot because any jarring could damage any new root tips trying to grow. I’ll use a bamboo skewer of someyhing similar as a stake and tie the plant to it.

I attached shots of one of my rescues. It had some rot issues in the crown hence the cinnamon to dry it out and one viable root (first picture). The photos were taken about 3 months after repotting and its first new root (second picture) was just under an inch. It’s a slow process at room temperature (low 70s for me). I’m expecting this one to take at least a year (maybe 2) to fully recover. Heat and a root growth stimulator should speed up the process for you.

Good luck!

I appreciate the additional advice. I just wanted to update with some pictures of my own as well. I got a heating mat and a smaller pot for my orchid along with a stake. I also just used KelpMax and hope all this will kick start the growing of new roots! Thanks everyone!