Is my phal beyond saving? - Orchid Board

Lil Enid · #1 07-10-2008, 06:17 PM

Hi all, I was wondering if I could get some help... I did something very bad - I neglected a phal for a very long time while away on a trip and now it is in terrible condition. I took it out of it's pot today (for the first time since owning it), and it essentially just fell apart. Though there are two HUGE flower spikes coming from the base that I had previously cut back a little when the blooms faded away, and they appear to be healthy. It also has a few big fat healthy looking roots (and a bunch of dead/dried up ones). When taking it out of the pot and pulling apart the moss/roots, all of the leaf structure just fell right off... and there is a white fuzz around the base (appears to be mold). It has been neglected for quite a while, but a few roots and the flower spikes seem healthy and has started a few growths from some of the nodes along the spikes. I was wondering if there is any way I could nurse this back to health or if it is beyond saving and should just be thrown out? I appreciate any input.

bonsai1504 · #2 07-10-2008, 06:26 PM

can you post a pic?

Lil Enid · #3 07-10-2008, 06:40 PM

I can post a pic tonight (bf has my camera). So far I have stripped away all the dead roots and dead parts of the base and now and all that is left is a few roots, base, and spikes. I am quite new at this, but I am prepared to give it whatever special attention it may need. The roots that are left are in ok condition, but could be better. I will have pics posted tonight. Thanks.

priz_m · #4 07-10-2008, 07:01 PM

Hello Lil Enid, is hard to say without pics, but so far seems like you did the right thing.

Will wait for

and comment again

mehitabel · #5 07-11-2008, 01:08 PM

Hi, Lil Enid. If it has roots it may be able to survive by starting a new growth of leaves either from the base or from the spikes.

Check out the url for a discussion (with pictures) of a phal growing a new shoot from the base at Al's Orchids. Al's article also describes how to care for a phal with severely damaged top.

So it's possible. May not be worth it, tho, except as a learning exercise. Sometimes throwing it out and starting over with a healthy new plant makes more sense. It's your call.

Example of Stem rot or Crown rot in Phalaenopsis