Root rot on new blooming Phal?
 

Hi,

This is my very first orchid and it was given to me five days ago. I just watered it today as it seemed dry. I've been reading up on orchids all afternoon and would appreciate any advice you can give as I've been unable to find answers to the questions I have.

My main question is about what I should with the roots that are unhealthy - as it is in full bloom (and the flowers are lovely, should I wait for it to finish or trim the roots right away? Should it be repotted? Is there anything else I should do? I've tried to include clear pictures:

Picasa Web Albums - ameliamcmahon - My first orchid!

Thanks in advance!!

The roots that I can see in the pot look good. It appears an aerial root was perhaps broken or damaged, and a root coming out the bottom of the pot was damaged and/or rotted at the end.

Thanks WhiteRabbit! Should I just leave the damaged roots alone or is it better to trim them?

Hi there and welcome to the OB,

Your orchid looks fine to me roots look good, the aerial roots that stick out the top of the pot can dry out a little bit on the tips.

The roots inside the medium look fine too.

The roots in the pot will tell you when the orchid needs water, when they are green they're fine, when they go silver your orchid will need a water.

When watering run tepid water through the inner plastic pot in the sink so the roots are nice and green then allow all the excess water to drain away. never allow the orchid to sit in water.

Also try to not get water in the crown of the plant, if you do remove it with some kitchen roll, water sitting in the crown can bring on crown rot.

I hope this has been a help to youyour new orchid. for looking after

Thanks everyone! I'm very excited to have such beautiful flowers in my home. I won't do anything to it until it stops blooming when I'll repot it according to what I've read on here and will trim the unhappy roots then.

Happy orchid growing :-)