repotting an extremely rootbound phaleaenopsis - Orchid Board

shahrezsyed · #1 06-08-2008, 10:41 AM

everyone i,m new here.
and i just almost worship this forum

i just bought a new phal today.it was extremely healthy but also extremely root bound .

so, i repotted it in pure coconut thread fibre.
it has new growth,and a lot of green growing tips on roots. and also has new roots forming.but during repotting,i accidentally partially snapped 4 of the long roots.

so, my question is that will the snapped roots heal?,will the plant adjust and will it grow and survive?

Bird Song Farm · #2 06-08-2008, 10:51 AM

I think it will do just fine. If you can or didn't, sprinkle the broken root tips with cinnamon. Be careful not to overwater. I'm sure others will have some helpful hints too.
Welcome to the OB......glad to have you join us!

Al

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #3 06-09-2008, 12:20 PM

I recently repotted a phal I'd bought. It appeared to be potted in bark, but when I pulled it out of the pot, I found that in the center, it was incredibly root bound in sphagnum moss. Pretty much all the roots were rotted, but my some stroke of luck, it was sending out 2 new roots which weren't even 1/4 of an inch yet. I cut away everything but those two roots, and so far so good

The phal also has what appears to be a keiki forming on the spike which has long since dropped all the flowers. Yippee!

Good luck with your phal. I'm sure it'll be OK. They sure seem to be pretty resiliant when taken care of.

jkofferdahl · #4 06-09-2008, 01:36 PM

I remember once being told that a broken root would never regrow. I've seen them do so, however, so I've never really figured that one out.

From the sounds of things, your Phal has a very vigorous root system. It's not likely that the loss of a few roots will have any effect, but it's also very likely that you'll see plenty of good, new growth anyway. I can't imagine that you have a thing to worry about with the plant. Enjoy it, and watch it go!

Ross · #5 06-09-2008, 01:41 PM

Broken roots often grow a new green tip from the side as long as the broken root is still viable and not rotted. This applies not only to Phals, but most other orchids as well.