Ugly Roots - Orchid Board

mmursuli · #1 08-06-2011, 03:49 PM

My neighbor gave me yet another orchid. This one is a phal. The tag says Phal. Linnet but I can't find anything on the net pertaining to that name. Well, when I unpotted her this is what I found. I wanted to put her in s/h, but do you guys think that's wise considering the condition of her roots? There's also a keiki growing (no roots yet). HELP! What are her chances?

photobucket is on the fritz again, so I'll try posting the other two pics in a few.

mmursuli · #2 08-06-2011, 04:06 PM

mmursuli · #3 08-06-2011, 04:08 PM

PaphMadMan · #4 08-06-2011, 04:15 PM

I think the chances are good. It doesn't look too badly dehydrated so the roots it has are getting it by. Remove any dead roots, treat any cuts with cinnamon, and go ahead with the s/h if that's what is successful for you with Phals. Extra humidity for a while if you can. Leave the keiki in place, maybe it will grow roots even if the mother doesn't make it.

I can't help you much with the name. There are 3 Phals registered with Linnet in the name. Dtps. Lioulin Linnet, Phal. Auspice Linnet and Phal. Paiho Linnet. Do you have any idea what the flowers look like? Is it a typical large Phal?

BTW, since orchid means testicle, I maintain that all orchids are him, not her.

mmursuli · #5 08-06-2011, 04:23 PM

Orchid means testicle?!! LMAO! LMAO!

Thanks for the help. All she told me was that the blooms are "purple-ish" and that they are small...

nenella · #6 08-06-2011, 06:43 PM

IMHO... I would not put this orchid into S/H... Ray has drummed it into us that s/h will reallly work when there is new growth. I do not see any new growth on your roots...
I would give it some rooting hormone and then.... well depends on your conditions :
alot of people believe in sphag and bag.... amongst other things...
I'd wait to see what other people in your growing region have to say. One thing for sure is that i believe your orchid looks more than 'saveable'...but it may take a while to get back into optimum flowering condition. ....Patience is a virtue!

Ray · #7 08-06-2011, 06:52 PM

Frankly, the plant is going to need to grow new roots no matter how you grow it, so S/H is as good as anything.

One caveat - put it on a heat pad no matter how you pot it up, as that will accelerate new root growth.

mmursuli · #8 08-06-2011, 06:55 PM

decisions, decisions...

mmursuli · #9 08-06-2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Frankly, the plant is going to need to grow new roots no matter how you grow it, so S/H is as good as anything.

One caveat - put it on a heat pad no matter how you pot it up, as that will accelerate new root growth.

Most of my phals are outside (in the back porch) and in s/h and they're thriving. Should I do the same with this one? Is the heating pad necessary if outside in Miami, FL weather? Thanks for your help!

Val · #10 08-06-2011, 08:11 PM

I think it would also benefit from lower light than normal, so its metabolism will slow down a little (i.e. will need less water).

You could also try some KLN or SuperThrive to stimulate root growth.