Can a phal survive if I cut off all its roots? - Orchid Board

PlainandSimple · #1 04-29-2013, 05:07 PM

Hi all,

I finally got the time to repot my phal, but the roots and crown don't look too good. I attached a few pictures. The two largest roots are falling off and have black spots all over them. Should I cut off those roots? The crown does not look well either. If I cut off those two roots, will my phal be able to survive?

Not sure why, but it isn't letting me use a hyperlink. Repost w/ the pictures.

---------- Post added at 01:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 PM ----------

Link with picture is under Reason for Editing. Sorry for the inconvenience!

If you were wondering: I received the phal with too much sun.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all!

Abbie9 · #2 04-29-2013, 05:09 PM

Try attaching the photos directly from your computer using the "Insert image" button.

PlainandSimple · #3 04-29-2013, 05:16 PM

I tried but unfortunately the files are too big.

SlipperGirl · #4 04-29-2013, 07:06 PM

Can a phals survive without roots well I hope so here is a pic of one of my phals that do not have roots, I have three with no roots

Can a phal survive if I cut off all its roots?-img_4408-jpg

I think you will need to put it in sphag and bag to help it get new roots here is a pic of the same orchid in a bag.

Can a phal survive if I cut off all its roots?-img_4860-jpg

birdybrain · #5 04-30-2013, 12:33 AM

Yes they can survive, but recovery for my guy has been slow. Here's a thread where I posted pics of a phal that I removed all roots & part of the base of. It also discusses what I've done to help the phal recover.
Phal Schilleriana No Roots Remaining
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...t.php?p=565636

Good luck with your phal!

AnonYMouse · #6 04-30-2013, 01:34 AM

I see good roots. Pot it up!

Just reread your original post. I see a bit of rot, not sure about the coming off part. Give it a hydrogen peroxide soak, let it dry. If the rot doesn't progress, pot it up.

Rowangreen · #7 04-30-2013, 07:08 AM

Agree, you have viable roots there. If it was me I'd probably keep it bare root for a while to make sure those patches don't spread. If you do that you'll need to treat it like a mounted plant and probably spray with water every day. Once I was happy with that I'd pot up in something like chunky bark that allowed plenty of air to the roots. If you use moss make sure you only damp it down, don't soak it for a while.