Is my phal orchid rotting?

[silken]

I agree to try and take it out of that cache pot so fresh air can get to the roots. Phal roots also photosynthesize in nature. A clear pot benefits them, if it has good air/drainage holes and the plant is not over-potted. But if it is in the cache pot, no light gets to the roots, or air. I only put mine in decorative pots when they are in bloom and I have them where they can be enjoyed.

You could also insert a bamboo kebab skewer down into the media and leave it. Pull it out to test how wet it is before watering. This has helped me avoid root rot with many of my orchids.

[Paphluvr]

If you do repot, set the plant lower in the new medium. Right now you have a lot of roots on the lower part of the stem that have no medium to grow into. I assume that you are a windowsill grower and that your humidity is not very high, otherwise these would normally develope into aerial roots in a more humid environment.

[tarev]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

If you do repot, set the plant lower in the new medium. Right now you have a lot of roots on the lower part of the stem that have no medium to grow into. I assume that you are a windowsill grower and that your humidity is not very high, otherwise these would normally develope into aerial roots in a more humid environment.

I will have to differ with that a bit.
Something I have learned with my Phals, they seem to prefer their lower end just sitting on the media and slightly leaning, not buried in the media. The roots can go in the media to get their moisture but the lower end of the plant, just fine sitting on the media. Seems to allow more air flow for it.

I guess if the plant has no roots, then bury it a bit, so it can help in encouraging root formation, but if it has existing roots already, the roots can do its work seeking the moisture, by going aerial or going below. It really taught me how much air circulation this plant needs. so most of my Phals are leaning now to the side, other end with roots a bit above the media, and just some roots below, and some go happily aerial. That way they still do their photosynthesizing, still getting moisture, and still getting their quick dry time.

I use clay pots with side holes, or ceramic containers with side holes..always with side holes better for Phals for their containers, whichever container type you use.

Run the ceiling fan right after watering, just for a few minutes..they really like good air flow all over.