Would you repot again?

[Wild Orchid]

Hi Everyone,

I've recently repotted one of the rescue Phals - Dec 18, to be exact.
The root system was so-so, it needed TLC. (The usual saga - dry, bucket size moss mass for a tiny plant, dehydrated, etc....) I repotted it into bark mix after soaking with seaweed, etc. (I've done repotting numerous times in the past, so.... been there, done that so to say....)

Now that the roots are in a clear pot I can see some of them struggling, others showing some signs of life while yet some clearly hating it all...

Question - would you repot Phal the 2nd time and get rid of some newly declining roots or just let it do its thing? I can never decide on that one.

Thanks! Your suggestions are much appreciated.

Lilia

[SlipperGirl]

If you could post a pic of the roots that would help. But if it was me I would most likely repot it. But post some pics so we can see how bad it is.

[thediaTOMaceouscity]

Hey Lilia,

Do you see fungus growing? I've repotted some plants without totally cleaning off the dead roots, and the seem to be doing fine (Dendrobium). I think with roots there will always be some that are struggling and some that are doing well. I would hold off especially if the plant was already in trouble and let it recover.

[Wild Orchid]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for your quick responses.

Here's an attempt of a picture of the roots area. These are some healthy looking ones that I'm counting on to live and pull the poor plant through. But the ones in the centre are clearly not happy....

I've just watered them today morning, so that's why the glass looks foggy and the potting media - wet.

Like I've said, I'm not new to repotting Phals and from the experience, they can go either way - grow new ones or go down the hill, all the way to the Sphag-N-Bag last resort (done that as well way too many times... Not my favourite!)
So yes, with the skewer method for moisture monitoring and trying to provide airy environment, etc, etc - it's still hard to watch those roots struggling and not know what to do next - just leave it alone and wait? repot again?

(I'm mainly concerned about those that started declining since last repotting and am not sure if they affect others or not.)

Thanks!

P.S. No, there's no fungus as I've cleaned the plant really well after bringing it home and used Phal 20 to take care of the problem areas, bugs, etc, etc.

[tucker85]

I think the roots look pretty good. I like the way you have it potted in a small clear pot with lots of holes and good chunky mix. That's the right formula. I would leave it alone and let it grow. Let it get almost completely dry between waterings and I think you have a good chance of being successful. Every orchid has a few bad roots so don't worry about that. I think you did a good job.

[SlipperGirl]

from what I can see the roots look ok, I would keep a eye on them if they start to look worse you may want to repot. but for now I would leave it.

Good luck

[Wild Orchid]

Thanks, Everyone!




WO

[silken]

I agree to let it be for now. And as mentioned get very close to dry or dry before watering again. I would also keep using some seaweed till it begins to bounce back.