NEW MEMBER NEED'S HELP??
 

Hi i have four phal orchids the first i got was from home depot already in bloom...(and me being an ammature)...i removed the plastic container it came in (with spagnum moss) and placed it in an 8' pot with gubler orchid bark and hardly any drain holes...I even watered it thats what the gal from garden center said to do...i later started researching and found everything ive done is WRONG!!!the roots got ugly and slimy..And soooo..(.now it gets really bad)i peeled off the ucky parts to the roots leaving only the stringy lookin roots?The leaves are still green...Is IT RUINED???BE HONEST...EVEN IF IT HURTS??

THANKS,
BR@NDI LOVE'S PHAL'S

Hi Brandi,

Are there any roots left that weren't slimy and rotten? The string down the centre of the roots doesn't really operate well without the rest of the root although if that's all you're got left with they can help anchor the plant while it grows new roots.

A plant without viable roots is going to struggle, but if the plant it's self is still strong it is possible it can be saved, just no garantees. One question though is how much you want to save it. Sometimes if it has no sentimental value it can be better just to start again and learn from the mistake. Having said that I always try to save them though.

---------- Post added at 03:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:43 PM ----------

I see you've already see the thread about 'The Phal Abuse Ends Here' and that was the next place I was going to suggest you read. Lots of good advice about caring for phals there.

Actually, that stringy part IS the root that transfers water and nutrients back to the plant. The part you peeled off is the velamen that absorbs the water and nutrients. It needs to drain completely after you water so enlarge the holes or put it in a pot that has better bigger holes. It can still make it out of this ! Good luck !

It CAN be best to re-pot when you get a new orchid, but an 8" pot (I hope you meant inches not feet ;)) is way too big, and it also needs lots of drainage or, as you have found, the roots will rot.

---------- Post added at 03:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:46 PM ----------

Yes, Chryss is right. What I really meant is that the roots don't really work well without the velamen ;)

You'll have a better chance if you pot it in the smallest pot that the roots will comfortably fit in. A small plastic pot with lots of drainage holes works well. A small clear plastic pot is even better if you can find or make one. Let the medium get almost dry between waterings. Good luck.

I do want to save it i hate to give up on annny plant!They have feeling's to..Right?!LOL..and yes ther is still maybe one semi okay root?But what about the pot question??did i do bad??

---------- Post added at 10:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 AM ----------

okay Thank-YOU!!

The best way to save it is to pot it up in a much much smaller pot. If that makes it top heavy use an outer cache pot to help stabilise it but make sure it's not sitting in water.

A small pot (with good drainage) helps the medium (whatever you choose) to dry quickly. You can then water more often without the roots rotting, which recovering plants seem to like. I had success saving one in a tiny pot (use old food pots and make holes if you can't find one small enough). I use 2"-3" only on recovering orchids. And watering as it dried out which was 2-3 days with bark in such a tiny pot.

THANK-YOU EVERYONE SOO MUCH FOR THE FEEDBACK!!I TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR TIME!!I THOUGHT WITH ME BEING NEW NO-ONE WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP SOO AGAIN THANK-YOU!!!

Oh and water with luke warm water. That (especially in the spring) seems to help prompt them into root growth.

---------- Post added at 03:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:58 PM ----------

This is a great board, because everyone is always friendly and willing to help. That's why I love it here ;)

And I forgot to say welcome, so :welcomeflowers:

Thank's alot rosie!!You're great...and so im guessing that the ice for orchids concept would not be good??