Phal Root Problems

[Cerey]

So here's the update on my plants: I waited until the moss was dry and I watered both with rain water I had collected. The one in spike is still the same. The other however, is turning for the worse. The oldest leaf is turning yellow. Might be because it is the oldest, but we'll see in time.

[smallerFISHeye]

This is my first post and I have been reading to find out why my orchids never grow roots. I think I have figured out from different threads and come to the conclusion that is HAS to be the water I am using. I'm in Mississippi, USA and we get plenty of rain. I will be switching to rain since I have lost all orchids but a couple. ;(

[smallerFISHeye]

What should I use to promote root growth? Hormones, minerals, etc. I realized I posted but forgot to ask my question.

[Cerey]

First off, Welcome!

I'm wondering the same thing. I figured if I can promote a healthy root system then my orchid will survive almost anything. I've read many options as to how to promote root growth. Such as:
-good water. Don't want any salts burning the roots. Rain water is preferred.
- Let the medium dry. If you let the medium stay more on the dry side before every watering, it will cause the roots to grow more to find more moisture.
-Bottom heat. bottom heat will always encourage more roots. Heat in general will encourage new growth both in roots and leaves.

As for any minerals or hormones, there are a few that many have used with success.
-Superthrive. At a rate of a drop per gallon, will promote lots of new roots. Not recommended to use when plant is spiking as it might cause deformed flowers.
-KLN Similar to superthrive, but many people have been more successful with KLN, or so it seems.
-seaweed. Seaweed based hormones/fertilizers seem to work as well.

Of course, orchids will produce new roots on their own when their time is right, which I think is in summer? when the temperature starts getting warmer. This is basically everything that i've read on this forum, and I'm still trying to figure out what works best for me, so I can't say what works for sure. But if there's anything super amazing and easy to bring new roots let us know! =]

[Cerey]

Orchids are picky.
I've realized that what works for one might not work for the other.
Amazing!

[smallerFISHeye]

Thank you Cerey. I will try one of those for sure. I am using miracle grow for orchids now and am not crazy about it. Besides, I can't recall anyone EVER recommending it. I just flushed a LOT of rain water through so all I need now is a little time to pass.

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by smallerFISHeye

Thank you Cerey. I will try one of those for sure. I am using miracle grow for orchids now and am not crazy about it. Besides, I can't recall anyone EVER recommending it. I just flushed a LOT of rain water through so all I need now is a little time to pass.

Miricle Grow fertilizer is fine but don't use the amount the package says to use. Use like 1/4 strength of what it recommends. A balanced fertilizer is fine like 20-20-20. But again always use 1/4 strength. Orchids are light feaders and too much will burn the roots. Most people recommend feeding weekly weakly. Weak doses every week for 3 out of 4 weeks a month. Then on the fourth week only use plain water to flush out any extra salts in the meadium. Also if you soften your water the water is not good for orchids. It has too much salts in it. Good luck!

[smallerFISHeye]

The only thing I don't like about Miracle Grow Orchid fertilizer is that it is granular which is less accurate than the drops.

[Orchidaceae]

Roots look fine except for the black/brown ones - dead or rotting it appears. I would hold off on excess watering and keep it in a place with high humidity and mist regularly. I have almost no luck with plastic pots and sphagnum - they always end up with root rot for me. However, when I transplant these very same phals to sphagnum in teak baskets they thrive and love it! The roots attach to the teak, there's plenty of air to breathe and there is never ever root rot. I use Dynagro 795 with distilled water, if that's of any interest. Good luck!