Bagged Phalaenopsis getting yellow spike

[Linn]

I've been overwatering my Phalaenopsis and it lost most of its roots, so I bagged it, or rather, I made it a plastic tent with water in the bottom that doesn't touch the plant. I haven't had the chance to get some Sphagnum yet. I've had some problems regulating the humidity and temperature. At first it got some white fungus on the roots and got very warm in there now that its summer. So I made an opening in the top to make some air flow. Then I thought it looked too dry, so I've been spraying it with water.
It has one flower, but the spike is turning yellow in the top and it's gradually spreading downwards. Any idea why? And what should I do? Cut it off?

[Blueszz]

Hi Linn,
in a plant with a bad root system I *always* cut the spike because I want it to use it's energy for production of roots and leaves and not to spent them on the spike.

Nicole

[RosieC]

I agree. I have one which has been sick for a while (10months) but is finally recovering. As well as gowing new roots and starting a new leaf it's also decided to try and waste enegy with a spike

The spike has just got to a size I can cut it without damaging the plant, so it's coming off this weekend. It will be sad to do it, but the plant is just not strong enough to flower.

[Linn]

Ok, thanks, I'll cut it off then.
What do you think about humidity? I've never done this before so I don't what's too much or too little. It already had a little fungus on the roots, and I can't find Physan 20 in Norway. But I don't want it to get too dry either, especially now that summer's here.

[Blueszz]

If you don't have fungus on the roots now, just leaf it as it is.
Humidity mostly becomes a problem if there isn't enough air flow/ventilation.

If you upload a picture from the plant and the way you culture it now, we might be able to give you a better advise rescue-ing this plant. I inderstood you haven't it potted right now, if so, you could provide us pictures from the root system too.

Nicole

[Linn]

Ok, here you can see the cellophane tent and the root system. Some of the roots it has might be dead, I don't know, they are pale yellow. I was afraid to cut off too much.
Thanks for being so helpful!

[RosieC]

If the roots feel firm when you apply gentle pressure with your fingers then leave them, whatever the colour. They can often be yellow if they have not been near light.

It looks like you have SOME good ones (which it appears you have) then I would advise potting it back up. But you want to get a MUCH smaller pot than that one first. The pot should be the smallest you can easily fit the remaining roots in to. If you can't get a smaller one then find something like packing peanuts to pack it out (something which does not hold water). Then pot it back up in bark and water with lukewarm/tepid water, I find this helps promote new root growth.

[Linn]

Oh, great, then I'll pot it right away.

[2ljd]

I recently read an article (sorry, can't remember where right now) wherein the author place plants (phals & paphs) with weak root systems in straight perlite. The results were impressive to say the least. It permitted him to water the plants without worrying about too much moisture being retained.

[nenella]

I too agree with Rosie, & your plant is more than 'saveable' You've done a good job with your tent - as you have lots of roots.You need to " Keep a watch on her - roots and leaf growth.
I have 2 suggestions to make:
1) It looks like you cut off dead, rotten roots & sprinkled cinnamon. Well done! - in your second photo one can see cinnamon on the plant. Make sure you don't put it (leave it) all over the roots (as it tends to have a drying effect on them) but only leave the cinnamon on the freshly cut 'bit' of the root, the end bit.
2) If you are having a real hard time in determinig the humidity of your medium I stongly suggest 'the skewer' method.