Removing the roots?

[usera]

Here's a backstory if you are interested. I purchased a Phalaenopsis orchid a few weeks ago. It had 5 branches(from nodes) on the stem. 2 two lower one with flowers died and dried up. 3 branches on top remain but only one had 3 flowers. It had a few flies and noticed some root rot on one side which was lucky fixed and the flowers remained in bloom for over two weeks.

However I noticed the leaves was noticably wilted but still green and the flower was strong. I searched online but thought it was because it had too many blooms so I cut the stem to about an inch from the lowest node. Just to be safe I removed it from the pot a day later (today).

There appear to be alot of dead roots with only 2 short strong roots on one side. Here's where my question is:... the other long roots that are dried kinda peeled off and underneath is one really thin and sturdy white root. Do you cut this out as well?

I've left it unplanted on a crate with crisscrossed holes and probably leave it like that while I mist it a few days? what do you all think? Sorry about the non technical terms. Didn't know what to call that other root?. Thanks for any suggestions on keeping this one alive.

[priz_m]

I am exactly in the same position, I didn't cut that "thin and sturdy white root" however I repoted it in bark and it seems to be doing ok, but I haven't seen any new growths

Thank you for posting this, perhaps both of us can get some help

[shakkai]

The thin, sturdy white root inside the thick fleshy bits of Phalaenopsis are the true roots. The thick layer (called vellum) is what absorbs and helps hold water and nutrients and passes these through to the true root.

It has been my experience that once the vellum layer is gone, the true root is also dead or dying, although they seem to look the same dead or alive....

I don't really know a whole lot about this, but thought it might be useful to tell you what I did know. Hopefully someone with more knowledge and experience with these things will chime in.

[Ray]

Actually, an orchid root has several more layers than that.

The central, wiry core is the xylem, a bundle of little tubes that carry water and nutrients up from the root. It is surrounded by the phloem, which transports nutrients to all the plant tissues, including those of the root itself. There is then a cortex layer and an epidermis, which contains the chlorophyll we see in plants like phals.

The velamen is actually just dead epidermal cells that hang around acting as sponges to accelerate the roots' absorption during brief rainy periods, so the plant can "process" it at its own pace after the rain subsides.

If I have lost the roots of such a plant, I often leave the wiry xylem strands to anchor it in the pot, but they really cannot function as roots at that point.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Ray

Actually, an orchid root has several more layers than that.

The central, wiry core is the xylem, a bundle of little tubes that carry water and nutrients up from the root. It is surrounded by the phloem, which transports nutrients to all the plant tissues, including those of the root itself. There is then a cortex layer and an epidermis, which contains the chlorophyll we see in plants like phals.

The velamen is actually just dead epidermal cells that hang around acting as sponges to accelerate the roots' absorption during brief rainy periods, so the plant can "process" it at its own pace after the rain subsides.

If I have lost the roots of such a plant, I often leave the wiry xylem strands to anchor it in the pot, but they really cannot function as roots at that point.

I think where this is even more important are the discussions regarding the roots that appear to be cracked. In this case I contend that leaving the cracked root alone is the proper scenario as the velamen is still functioning (perhaps). I watch for signs of color change from spraying. Does the velamen change color? Then it may be still functioning.

[isurus79]

If the roots are dead, I say chop 'em off. Leave the 2 thick, healthy roots and trash the rest. Pics of your situation would definitely help with a possible solution though. Dead roots serve no purpose and might help instigate or continue root rot in the future. Just my I would then repot the plant in a net pot with pure New Zealand spag. The holes in the pot allow ample air to flow through and the spag will keep your plant at the appropriate "moistness."

[irrka]

oops i entered this message when i thought no one else piped in. obviously my connection is not the best. but what i was trying to say was that you can put it into a ziplock with a little moist sphag/papertowel/sponge for humidity until it sprouts some healthy roots, then pot it in a well draining medium with lots of air flow to roots.

[Ray]

Ross, I think you're right about cracked roots. If you're a bit delicate with them during repotting, so the damage does not become too extensive, they can continue to live, possibly even healing the break.

I suppose it depends upon how deep and extensive the break is.

[usera]

I think the thin white roots are dead so I will probably cut it off unless I hear different. Here's the picture which is very large

http://jj8fug.blu.livefilestore.com/...A/DSCF0205.JPG

that's cinnamon on there and you can see how wilted it is.

[josterha]

Usera,

I just repotted a phal of mine and found similar white roots. I kept them because they were clearly not in the same category as the dried-up or crunchy brown roots. I am a near complete noob, so this may have been the wrong thing to do. These white roots may be beyond saving, but I just don't know. I hope a more experienced grower might respond and provide a little guidance!

- John