Phalaenopsis with Shriveling Roots

[Irielicious]

I was given a Phalaenopsis with most of its roots shriveled. I repotted her and cut off any dead roots. I noticed today that two more roots are now molding so I cut them off and sprayed her with peroxide. Should I unpot her and try to keep her moist so she can stay hydrated? I have two issues 1. Keeping the orchid hydrated 2. Keeping the media too moist because I want to try to save the last 3 root she has. Any information or advise would be very much so appreciated.

Thanks,
Irie

[Orchid Whisperer]

Don't repot quite yet.

Leave the plant bare root. Hang the bare roots in a glass or plastic container (vase, glass etc that will hold water). The leaves should rest on the edge of the glass and keep it from falling in (or tie the plant to a support of some kind to keep the roots in the glass and the leaves upright).

Soak the roots of the plant with plain water each day. The water should cover only the roots. After the soak, drain and let dry until the next day, then soak again. Keep repeating until you see new roots growing well, then repot.

If you have seaweed extract, you can add that to the soaking water once a month to promote root growth and branching.

[Irielicious]

Thank you Orchid Whisperer I was thinking about doing just that! I do have seaweed powder that I mix myself! I hope I can save it! Thanks again for your advise!

[Irielicious]

Orchid Whisperer is there amount of time you recommend I soak the roots or is there something I should look for to give me an indication it has had enough?

[estación seca]

Don't spray hydrogen peroxide on roots. It's very irritating.

[Irielicious]

estación seca's what do you recommend for an issue with snow mold since the peroxide is "irritating"? Aside from using something you have to special order like physan 20? You gave me the problem (peroxide is irritating) so what is the right solution? What would you do in this situation?

[estación seca]

You're right, I wasn't clear enough. Mold grows on dead plant material, so you have to cut off the dead stuff. Sterilize the knife of scissors between cuts with 70% alcohol or 10% bleach. You should see green living tissue when you finally cut off all the dead stuff.

[Irielicious]

Originally Posted by estación seca

You're right, I wasn't clear enough. Mold grows on dead plant material, so you have to cut off the dead stuff. Sterilize the knife of scissors between cuts with 70% alcohol or 10% bleach. You should see green living tissue when you finally cut off all the dead stuff.

Thanks so much for your advise! I had no idea that peroxide was irritating to orchid roots...SO many people say to use peroxide to clean up roots with mold spores. As a newbie to the orchid world I'm learning as I go but now that I know this isn't the best course of action I will stay away from this method!

I did as you said and cut away any dead tissue and now soak the orchid daily like Orchid Whisperer said to do. I hope she perks up soon! Thanks again for your help!

Irie