phal roots with dark spots

[msparling]

Hello! As I suspect many find themselves first joining this forum, I have an issue with a couple of my orchids.

I have three NoID phals, which despite having very healthy blooms and leaves, seem to have dark spots on the surface of their roots that are exposed to air.

At first I suspected root-rot, tho none of the roots on the surface were mushy, they were quite firm. One of the phals recently finished blooming, so I decided to repot it to check out the roots, and they were all nice and healthy, there's no dark spots on the roots that were 'buried', and they were all firm and pale green/yellow. These spots seem to only appear on roots exposed to the air.

They almost look like burn marks, so I wondered if perhaps they're getting too much sun. They near a west-facing window that's mostly shaded, they don't get a lot of direct sunlight but they do get some. I've never noticed any pests of any kind, on the phals or any of my other orchids.

They're watered once a week, but I check to see that they're mostly dry before doing so. I fed them once in september and october, with 1/4 strength schultz "bloom booster" orchid fertilizer (high potash, I believe), but I have held off as I was noticing this issue in the beginning of november. I'm rambling. I've got a couple ugly flash-photos, hopefully that will be useful (apologies in advance for the hugeness, using my own hosting site):





I just watered them today, hence the damp appearance. They are otherwise extremely healthy with no problems, so this is kind of a mystery. Thanks in advance

[camille1585]

That's quite normal in Phals. I think part of it is due to the change in environment between the nice humid greenhouse they were grown in, and a house. They are not used to lower humidity and I believe the dryness sort of scars the roots. The reason I have this theory is because Phal roots that grow in my care rarely show such marks, they are usually nice and green.
They could also be due to fertilizer burn if you used too high a concentration. It could also be light as you say, particularily if the roots were wet when exposed to the sun.

But all in all, there is not much to worry about!

[Paul Mc]

I was thinking along the lines of fertilizer as well, though Camille is correct on the other possibilities. There may even be more possibilities, but I have to say they don't really look that bad. Give them a little bit of time and see where this goes. Bear in mind that the roots are the tell-all of the plant. If you wait until you see the leaves having problems, it may be too late.

Regardless of the reason you joined the OrchidBoard, welcome aboard!!! Keep us posted on how things progress with this particular issue.

[Merlyn]

I think it's just the roots being stained by the bark. I don't use bark on top of the media, only sphag and there's no coloring like that, I do mix it in in a larger pot. I agree that it's nothing to worry about, especially if the other roots are fine !

[msparling]

Thanks so much! That's good to hear, tho I will keep a close eye on it - the house does get pretty dry in winter, and I don't think the humidity trays I use really pull their weight. Perhaps I'll invest in a humidifier.

Bark staining is interesting - I'll keep an eye on that as well.

I'll keep you posted, thanks again!

[silken]

Welcome to OB. I agree with others that it looks fine. My roots in the media (clear pots) are lovely silver and green when wet. But the ones along the top can look like yours after they have been around for a while. I think it's just 'weathered' almost like a sun tan and less moisture than the ones in the media. However my air roots don't look like this so go figure! Sounds like you have their care figured out quite well.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome.
Joann

[jrodpad]

I second the bark staining theory. If you don't pre-soak for long enough or if you don't flush the bark mix well after soaking the roots can often get this type of marking. Old or powdery bark mix can exacerbate the staining. You can know for sure after the phal throws new roots. If the new roots remain clean, despite your fertilizing regimen, then I would favor the bark staining theory.

I've never seen staining from bark cause health issues. So rest easy if that's the cause.

-J

[ojncdlh]

This is my first post, and though I am a little late into the conversation, I wanted you all to know that this section has been very helpful to me. I acquired my first Phal on February 14, 2012, yes Valentines Day. My Phal roots look just like msparling, and only above the medium. I also believe the bark stain theory because I repotted my Phal from bark to sphag moss this past summer. The old exposed roots have black marks but the new ones which have developed since I repotted in the sphag moss are all green. My Phal is very healthy and threw off a spike about 3 weeks ago. I am so looking forward to it blooming. I live on a boat and travel to all different locations on the east coast, Atlantic region, from Maine to the Bahamas. The climate is always changing so I have read many threads on this site to help me which has made me feel much more comfortable growing an Orchid. It's not nearly as difficult as some people say, SO FAR, but I haven't had any real problems yet either. I look forward to learning as much as possible from you all. I can't wait to acquire another Phal! Thanks for everything!!! Daizy