1st Time Phal Repotting - Pale coloured Roots?

[Crannoch]

OK, this may sound crazy but do all Phals have pale to white roots at the centre of the plant and pale green on the outer part? I have just repotted a Phal Taisuco Noble P equestris 'alba' that I acquired last week. It had been in sphag and I changed to fir bark/charcoal mix that has been soaking for 48 hrs. The plant and most of the roots look good and are firm. Sure hope I did this right. Any suggestions?

[brush]

I think most healthy phals have white and green firm roots . You want that as opposed to black mushy roots which are a bad sign for the plant . I have done many repottings and usually I cut all the dead roots off and leave the white and green healthy ones .
I personnally don't like phals in all spaghnum moss , I like to use bark and a bit of spaghnum with the charcoal as well . I am sure you did the right thing with yours , good luck with it.

[camille1585]

Sounds like you did things right! As for the color of the roots, it's normal. You have a clear pot, right? Phal roots, when exposed to light, are capable of photosynthesis, just like leaves. So the outer roots get light and become green. They become greener right after watering, and the level of greeness is a good indicator of when to water. The roots at the center of the pot never see the light of day, and stay pale.

[Crannoch]

Thanks. I read that although the bark mix should be soaked for 24-48 hrs prior to using the orchid roots should be allowed to dry before repotting as the roots can get rot. I didn't do this, but repotted straight into the damp bark mix. Hope this is ok to do.

[RosieC]

Mine always have firm white or very pale yellow roots at the center. They only turn green on the edges of the pot where they can photosynthasise.

I know some people here say they water before repotting so the roots are more flixible to get them back in the pot so I don't think that's a problem.

[Crannoch]

Thanks Rosie, I'm about to repot the second Phal, so appreciate the support.

[mehitabel]

Crannoch, I always water before repotting. It helps the plant slide out of the pot without damage to the roots.

It's also pre-hydrated, so IMO, there would be minimal transplant shock.

Don't worry, phals are tuffff, and they love repotting.

[Crannoch]

Thanks Mehitabel. I repotted both Phals. They both have very good roots and are very healthy plants so I figured a little shock wouldn't do too much damage. It was great to have all the support from Orchidboard too, much appreciated.