Encyclia phoenicea -Root Rot to Mount

[Dorchid]

I have two of these potted in a mix of orchiata and scoria and this one was looking poor while the other looks fine. When I initially repotted them a little over a year ago into their current pots, I fluffed the roots on one (the one doing well) and left the roots on the other in the shape of the pot they came from.



I was planning to repot the anemic looking plant but a recent post by Jeff214 helped me to decide to mount it. Unpotting revealed the entire root mass was rotted away. This plant was obviously overwatered during the last year and the roots being completely bound didn’t help as they never spread through the new medium. I’m hoping this mounting will help it bounce back. I’m going to treat with kelp max and see what happens.



Thoughts, feedback and suggestions welcome!

[Jeff214]

I had the same issue with rot on my alata and adenocaule. After I mounted it, it has been coming back. They seem to like it moist but need to dry out very quickly. Initially, I was mis ting and soaking if it started to shrivel. Gave it some kelp meal here and there. Now that the roots have come back, it's doing well with watering every few days.

I'm particularly happy about the alata since it has a wonderful fragrance (fruit loops esque).

Good luck with yours!

[Dorchid]

Thanks for the info, Jeff! Got any pics of those? Mmmm….fruit loops!

[Jeff214]

well it's still recovering from rot... it's made two new growths and it just started two more.



i don't really have a good photo of the alata in bloom.

[Dorchid]

Right on; this gives me hope!!!

[Jeff214]

Good luck! It requires some TLC until the new roots start. If it starts to shrivel, I'd soak it in water, with some rooting stimulants here and there. As long as it's warm and dries quickly, it should do ok. May take a few months!

[Dorchid]

Have a couple new growths starting and some roots!

[Dorchid]

Coming along nicely; Roots are busting out and digging in!

[Jeff214]

mmm roots!

[Dorchid]

Chugging along!