Phals getting too tall; cannot benefit from watering

[Viperalus]

So, as the title goes, a couple of my Phalaenopsis orchids have got too tall and they don't benefit from watering. Is it a good idea to cut from below the roots. :?

One of them stopped growing her new leaf (since weeks ago); and the other one stopped in the middle of blooming and some of her buds have turned orange.



http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/...pswq7saljn.jpg

[nikkik]

That plant would benefit being repotted into a bigger pot. In the picture, it looks like the media in the pot has broken down, there's a good chance that the roots that are in the media won't be viable if it's as broken down as at looks on my end.

[Viperalus]

Thanks nikkik, actually I have posted two images from two different phals (the second one in the link below the first image). Uhmm... yes, I was thinking also about that old root system that isn't viable any more.

But going further, I was thinking if trimming a portion at the base of the central root system is possible, cause my Phalaenopsis orchids are growing really tall.

There was another one with the same problem, almost died but I saved her. 6 months ago I removed huge part of non-viable root material and now 6 months later she seems that she is soon getting again to her previous condition-due to rapid growth.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Yes, that plant is in urgent need of repotting.

When you remove it from that pot, you will see that there is an old brittle stem below the roots. You can snap the brittle part of the stem with your fingers (only the part below the live roots).

Repot into a new terracotta or plastic pot with many drainage holes, similar size to the old pot or slightly larger. Use orchid bark or a bark-based mix for the growing medium. Don't use moss.

After repotting, wait a day or two before watering to allow damaged roots to heal. When you water, get all of the bark in the pot wet. Don't water again until the bark is nearly dry. In most cases this will mean watering once or twice a week.

[Viperalus]

I was able to remove about 6 cm of that brittle part below the center of the roots which was non-valid. Then I slowly and carefully searched to find brittle roots but paying care not to remove any dried roots that might come into life again after some generous waterings.

Then, I put the phal inside the tube -which I use for my Vanda orchid- to soften the roots and not damage them while repotting.


I hope she will make it.

[estación seca]

Looking good!

[rbarata]

With so many living root, of course it will make it.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Oooh, spotted leaves I hope it will make it also.

[Viperalus]

Thank you guys!

No-Pro-mwa, besides that this orchid has very beautiful flowers, do you know anything about the spotted leaves? Does it indicate genes from more rare species?

Some history behind this orchid. This orchid (and many more) is from a rescue. They were keeping her in a corridor with poor lighting for months, and the orchid stopped growing. Since I took her home she took her 8 months to start blooming again, and I was so happy seeing her beautiful flowers again!

[estación seca]

If you haven't seen it yet, you might enjoy looking up Phal species at the

Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia

A number of Phal species have beautifully spotted leaves.