Getting some Roots to Grow
 

I purchased several plants with poor root systems and am trying to get them to re root without much luck. I have 2 Bras. 2 Phals. and 2 Onc. Any suggestions on getting them to sprout a few roots?

I've been growing orchids for more than 30 years and I think 'luck' only helps when you work hard; if you pot the plants in a good medium, take care with humidity and feed they regulary, sooner or later the roots will grow. There are hormones to help root growing, but I don't know the names, or how to use. There is a japanese product, HB-101, that some times works well (follow the link):
HB-101 Organic and Health Products
In Brazil it's very expensive (~U$ 35.00 per 100ml)
Frederico

You can also get a product at any Walmart or other dept store. I also forget what it's called, but you will see it in a small brown bottle and a package that makes it look like a comic book add in an old '50's style magazine.
I'm told it has root growth hormones as well.
I don't use it. Give the plant everything you would normally give it to bloom. Nature will do the rest. Warm, moist, light. If it want's roots, roots it will get.

Walmart and Home Depot carry Superthrive, a rooting hormone, in the fertilizer section. It comes in a small bottle with a busy label. 1 mL or about 20 drops of that to a gallon of water should help. Dynagro KLN solution is another rooting hormone you can use.

That's the stuff, I alternate with both Superthirve and KLN. And I also read somewhere to reduce the lighting, I think I was here on the board. Any takers?

I alternate with superthrive and root-tone. Both are sufficiently equal in giving a boost. I also soak the medium in either / or root stimulant and mist with the solution for a month. Keeping in low light, yep heard it here on the OB as well Erin. :banana:

Sphagnum moss kept damp (not wet) will promote root growth. At least in my experience, rooting hormones/stimulants don't seem to be any more effective than sphagnum. Phals in particular seem to love the stuff.
If the root systems are really bad, try a traditional sphag and bag.

Great suggestion markr, should have remembered the sphag in a bag, have 2 setting up right now and have just taken one out..works well, but I did use the soaking solution as well as a misting of a stimulant. Not sure of the size cg but it's all worthy info to try.:nod:

Thanks
 

Thanks Everyone! I have them bagged and I will try to get some of the root stimulant later.