Root rot after repotting phal

[Silje]

Originally Posted by MT-Phal

One of my phal's new roots (newly potted into NZ sphagnum) got to the pot wall, and instead of heading down turned up and is trying to escape. Is there any way to turn it back downwards?

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Phals have roots that go in all directions sometimes. When it reaches the air it becomes an aerial root or it changes direction again.

I would not try to physically force the root to change direction, I'd just let it wherever it wants to go. Phal aerial roots are anyways beautiful! (Or is it just me who thinks so?)

[james mickelso]

Orchid roots aren't designed to burrow under soil. Their roots always grow along the surface of whatever they are growing on like branches and tree trunks. That's just the way they grow. Of course some do burrow but most don't.

[Nexogen]

I don’t say, the phal is irrecoverable, what I say is; recovery of phal is too expensive (time and money). Sorry I’m not segregationist, but you can buy a phal from a corner of street store.

[Orchid Whisperer]

The let-it-dry approach that James recommend is what I do. I never have root problems when re-potting.

Also, skip the Physan unless there is really an absolute need to use it (I've been growing orchids for 30 years, I have never owned any Physan). Same goes for KLN, etc. until the plant seems to be initiating some growth. I do own KLN, but wait until plants are growing on their own before using it.

[MT-Phal]

Originally Posted by Silje

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Phals have roots that go in all directions sometimes. When it reaches the air it becomes an aerial root or it changes direction again.

I would not try to physically force the root to change direction, I'd just let it wherever it wants to go. Phal aerial roots are anyways beautiful! (Or is it just me who thinks so?)

But I really need this one to stay in the medium. This phal's weathered a lot of not-so-ideal conditions, and there are literally no roots that have been established within the media yet. I have four currently growing, and this one was the biggest and fastest so far. But I think it would be bad to let it come out instead of helping to anchor the plant and be one of it's main lifelines. For now, I've placed a piece of prime agra just above the green tip, I hope this will cause the root to change direction back down.

[RosieC]

As others have said, getting them to grow in the direction you want is not easy, they do what they want.

I've heard someone say that they are more likely to go up if there is not enough air in the mix (growing up seeking the air) but I'm not sure I've observed any pattern to it.

I've found I've just had to let them do what they want, even on rescues that don't have very good roots.

[Silje]

Originally Posted by MT-Phal

But I really need this one to stay in the medium. This phal's weathered a lot of not-so-ideal conditions, and there are literally no roots that have been established within the media yet. I have four currently growing, and this one was the biggest and fastest so far. But I think it would be bad to let it come out instead of helping to anchor the plant and be one of it's main lifelines. For now, I've placed a piece of prime agra just above the green tip, I hope this will cause the root to change direction back down.

You can anchor the plant with a rhizome clip or with wire/tread that you can fasten by pulling it through the holes in the bottom of the pot.

I've also heard, like Rosie, that roots growing upwards and out if the medium is an indication that the underground conditions are not good, but I don't know if that really applies to phal roots. They are by nature epiphytes, after all.

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by MT-Phal

But I really need this one to stay in the medium. This phal's weathered a lot of not-so-ideal conditions, and there are literally no roots that have been established within the media yet. I have four currently growing, and this one was the biggest and fastest so far. But I think it would be bad to let it come out instead of helping to anchor the plant and be one of it's main lifelines. For now, I've placed a piece of prime agra just above the green tip, I hope this will cause the root to change direction back down.

Spray it with water, and try to coax it gently into the pot. The roots get a bit more cooperative when moist. Otherwise, do as *Silje* suggested and use a rhizome clip or wire thread.

[Polarizeme]

Originally Posted by Nexogen

The plant is shocked after repotting (don’t like new media) my advice; repot in sphagnum moss or throw at garbage(recovery of plant is too expensive, buy a new one).

Sometimes turning these plants around and making them big beautiful re-blooming orchids is a challenge and half the fun. I won't throw anything away unless it has a non recoverable disease or can't be quarantined.
I love the challenge.
Everyone has their own opinion and way of dealing with things.
Just my

[Polarizeme]

Originally Posted by Silje

You can anchor the plant with a rhizome clip or with wire/tread that you can fasten by pulling it through the holes in the bottom of the pot.

I've also heard, like Rosie, that roots growing upwards and out if the medium is an indication that the underground conditions are not good, but I don't know if that really applies to phal roots. They are by nature epiphytes, after all.

Trying to force the aerial root down into the sphag will cause problems. As the others have said, if the Phal doesn't like the medium it won't put roots down into it. The one you force down will be injured and probably rot off. Leave it alone and wire your plant in as recommended. Personally I'd put it in a bark mix. The ones I have purchased that have been in moss go into a fine bark mix the first year and then into a chunkier mix after. I haven't lost one yet doing it this way.