hello, my first time..

[Lois49]

I found this site researching for my poor Phal. that is having root rot. We just celebrated our 2nd anniversary, and this
was one of the table centerpieces. It has bloomed twice since then, but not for a year. It put out lots of green roots, but then lost a leaf, and I noticed that the soil was very damp. It took it out, cut out the black soft roots, let it sit on newspaper for a few hours, and got on line to see if I could find a household product to use as fungicide. That's how I found you. I have NEVER blogged or done this before. (Except when I was dating: that's how I found my husband) So I just re potted it in fresh material, but when do I start watering it? I hope to keep this orchid going for at least our 10th anniversary!!!

[Bird Song Farm]

Lois, Welcome to the Orchidboard, we are so glad you found us!
If it's any consolation, what has happened to your plant is one of the most common things that can happen.

You don't say what you used for medium when you re-potted so we need a bit more information.
Did you use bark? Did you let the bark sit over-night in water to absorb all it could before planting?

Oh, a common, household item to use on root tips after cutting off the dead/rotten roots is Cinnamon.
Just a dusting on the cut.

Hope to hear from you again, and congrats on the anniversary!

Al

[Chubidubi]

to the OB Lois
Happy anniversary

[kiki-do]

A great household product I use, thanks to Sue here on OB, is Listerine (regular, not minty). I always swish the roots through Listerine before repotting.
Please keep us posted on your phal.
And welcome!!!!!!!

[Roly0217]

Lois and to the OB !!! don't give up on the Phal since they are usually good fighters if given good conditions. I have rescued 2 that has the same problem as your and they are making a great comeback.

[Ross]

Welcome, and like others said, you didn't state what you used for potting material. For Phals you want something pretty coarse like medium to coarse fir bark mix. The Listerine trick is a good one to cure most rot problems. There are better products as you get further along, though.