Cracked and shriveled aerial roots

[lindasbabies]

I just looked at my phals and it seems the soaking for an hour by submerging the pots in water has helped. The aerial roots and the little baby roots are all bright green and less shriveled! I moved them to a south facing window but no sun touches them. There’s also a fan in there moving air so maybe this has helped. I’m cautiously optimistic. Thanks everyone!

---------- Post added at 05:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:43 PM ----------

I don’t want to take my almost rootless out of their pots again because I don’t want to disturb them again to take pictures. If you can just imagine an orchid with just the beginnings of roots sticking out under it, that’s what they look like. One of the phals has one longer root but that’s it.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by lindasbabies

[/COLOR]I don’t want to take my almost rootless out of their pots again because I don’t want to disturb them again to take pictures. If you can just imagine an orchid with just the beginnings of roots sticking out under it, that’s what they look like. One of the phals has one longer root but that’s it.

Sounds like you're moving in the right direction! Now, just patience... definitely don't disturb the plants for photos. Let them grow those roots, orchids don't do anything fast.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by lindasbabies

If you can just imagine an orchid with just the beginnings of roots sticking out under it, that’s what they look like. One of the phals has one longer root but that’s it.

Beginnings of new roots is a fantastic sign - excellent sign.

The other phal with a single long root ----- is good. One is definitely better than none, that's for sure.

I think if you keep maintaining the good conditions you're currently giving it - and to not over-do it, then your phal is going to make a great comeback.

Originally Posted by lindasbabies

One of the phals has one longer root but that’s it.

That's the one that I assume to have an 'aerial' root only, with the rest of the stem in the media having no roots, and no sign of new root growth. That's the one where the deep and wide pot method could be handy.

But it all depends on where that root is on the plant, and the orientation of that root etc. Sometimes, if the root is heading upward - and can't be gently coaxed down into the media without snapping/breaking, then some other recovery method would need to be considered - like the one you're applying now.