Disease? or rot at base of spikes, new Phal owner

[Hedge]

I agree with Camille about the pot size issue, there's plenty of room left in there - over-potting just leads to plants not flowering for ages until the roots fill the new one.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Hedge

I agree with Camille about the pot size issue, there's plenty of room left in there - over-potting just leads to plants not flowering for ages until the roots fill the new one.

Not to mention the fact that the medium dries much slower since there's less roots in it, increasing the risk of rot. That's actually my main worry, and why I wait until the roots really don't fit at all in the original pot before going up to the next size.

[bday_phal]

Thanks for your photo Camille.
Considering that info, I guess mine is ok in it's pot and though here is a question.

The 'air roots' or the ones not growing into the medium are flat, dry and crispy feeling at the tips only as if they would snap off if I tried to squeeze them.
Is that an unhealthy sign?

[bday_phal]

Ok, then it seems I will take off those gorgeous but distressed spikes to enjoy in a vase and let this lovely plant settle in - keeping an eye on the leaf color and careful waterings.

May I say, this forum is so fantastic. I know nobody that has an orchid and being able to show you fine folks and share concerns via the internet is so helpful, comforting and fun.

I'm very excited to own these plants thanks to a very thoughtful friend who gave me my first as a birthday gift. I'm mesmerized ~~!!

[Connie Star]

Welcome to OB!
I started less than 2 years ago with a den and a phal and now I have over 80 'chids. I think phals are my favorite, but Masdevallias are moving up fast.

[bday_phal]

Thanks for the warm welcome and replies.

Connie I can see how that might happen ~!
Camille & Hedge, that's a good point about ratio of medium to roots. Makes sense, thanks.

[Alyons]

Originally Posted by bday_phal

Thanks for your photo Camille.
Considering that info, I guess mine is ok in it's pot and though here is a question.

The 'air roots' or the ones not growing into the medium are flat, dry and crispy feeling at the tips only as if they would snap off if I tried to squeeze them.
Is that an unhealthy sign?

Hi... Glad you've picked up this wonderful hobby. I've always misted the air roots because the humidity is so low indoors. But they should be quite different than the roots under the bark because they have grown in entirely different microclimates. They will be a little drier and harder, etc. The tip is mainly where all of the moisture and nutrients come into the root so misting them to keep them from drying/flattening too much to the point where they cannot absorb any water would be a good thing.

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[camille1585]

Air roots on freshly purchased phals also tend to be in bad shape because they get crushed between pots in the shipping trays, and they are also used to high humidity in the greenhouse they grew in. New air roots usually look much nicer since they're not smushed, and they have ice green growing tips.

[bday_phal]

Angel,
Hello and thanks for the greeting.
Thanks for addressing my question about the top roots. I did think they should be harder but to the point of being crumbly seemed bad.
I'm realizing humidity is an main concern so I'm looking for ways to address that. I have a lovely sliding glass door in my apartment and that room is just right for lighting but in the evenings it cools a bit because of the glass door and no doubt is drier.

I am actually all set to go to my home improvement store for a little mini-greenhouse/plant keeper. Not anything like an orchidarium but it seems that it would keep humidity up and also little warmth in overnight for the winter season that is approaching.

I's so enamored with these plants. *grin

---
Karen

[bday_phal]

..and you too Camille.