Disease? or rot at base of spikes, new Phal owner

[bday_phal]

Hello, I am new to this board.

I have only very recently become an orchid owner, Phals. Seem to have run into heartbreak already. One of my plants has a serious issue at the base of the spikes, so I thought this topic board seemed correct but if not please forgive.

I recently brought home a lovely double spiked Phal from the grocers because the flowers were too beautiful to not buy it ! It seemed pot bound already but I though I'd wait til the flowers dropped and repot.

Now I noticed and ugly looking, terrible ?disease process and have no idea what it is or what to do.

Wondering what in the world I can do for this plant and ALSO wonder if it's unusual coloring was actually indication of disease as i read somewhere that virus infections can alter color and give a "tie-dye" appearance. This isn't tie dye exactly but wanted your experienced ideas and opinions.
Thanks very much in advance. I never thought of owning these but was given one last month for my birthday and immediately 'knew' these were "my" plants.

[bday_phal]

more disease indicators? 2 more photos. Since my Bday phal was water-logged and mistreated I'm having to have crash course in orchid troubles.

These are from the same plant as mentioned above. A yellowing in the center of the leaf and a black spot on the back of one of the largest leaves.

Should I just enjoy these blooms and not be overly expectant for good results?

[rangiku]

Originally Posted by bday_phal

...I never thought of owning these but was given one last month for my birthday and immediately 'knew' these were "my" plants.

EXACTLY! Welcome to OB. You found the right place for help. I'm new here, too, so let's wait for the big guns to post their advice. However, a couple of things.

First, Phals prefer to have lots of roots in a small space. Always use the smallest pot possible to contain the roots. So, one less thing for you to worry about.

Second, looks like you have cobwebs on the undersides of the leaves. Clean that off with some warm water and keep an eye to see if it returns.

Third, at some point you will want to cut off that rotted root with a single edge razor and perhaps disinfect the plant by soaking it in some brown Listerine or hydrogen peroxide. Given that the plant is waterlogged, you may want to take your plant out of the bark to see what is going on with the rest of the roots. Roots should be firm to the touch not squishy. Any squishy roots should be cut with that same razor blade a bit into healthy root. Some sprinkle cinnamon powder onto a cut root to seal it. FYI don't use that razor on another orchid. You don't want to spread anything to it. Just throw the blade away or use it for something else.

The biggest thing to know about Phals is to NOT overwater them. The roots will rot and you don't want that. You put a bamboo skewer into the bark and leave it there. When it is almost dry, time to water.

[camille1585]

Rangiku, what rotten root are you talking about? The only rotting thing I see is the base of the spike!

Baby-Phal, welcome to OB! Other than the rotting spike base, I don't see anything that is an immediate problem in the rest of the photos you posted. Phals fairly often have various lumps and bumps (like the black spot) that aren't problematic. As long as that black spot doesn't spread, it's fine. As for the yellowing on the leaf for now it doesn't look worrisome, just keep an eye on it.

And your blooms are just fine, and very beautiful! All the marks on them are uniform and symetric, and just part of the natural coloring. Virus color break looks more like discolored and uneven streaks.

As for the base of the spike, it doesn't look good. Maybe water stayed at the leaf base too long before you got it and started rot; Who knows. But if you say it's progressing, I would cut it off and powder the cut with ground cinnamon (has natural antifungal properties). You can always enjoy the blooms a bit longer in a vase! Otherwise i'm afraid that if you leave it the infection may spread to the plant, which could be a death sentence.

[bday_phal]

Hello Rangiku
and thanks for taking the time to read my post. I will just say that my very first Phal was water logged-- not this one, but do understand about the toll over-watering would bring.

I did take the bamboo stick out of a different plant when I cut the old spike since i thought it was 'just' a support but now as you have taught me I should put it back- I will use it for watering measure. Excellent help already , thanks.


About this pot,,, even knowing orchids like a tight fit, I am wondering. I can post a pic for further consideration.

Regarding Listerine- do you soak it thoroughly by spraying leaves and crown or what method is best?

[bday_phal]

Camille,

Thanks for your time. Yes, I thought that might be a way to go. I will likely take them off and hope for the very best. The blooms are stunning and have a shimmering in the light that is breathtaking.

I will post a few pics and would you please tell me if re-potting looks like a good idea , if you cannot judge I understand.

[camille1585]

One very good way to judge when to water a phal (works only when it's potted in a clear pot) is to look at the root color. When the roots are green and you still see beads of moisture on the inside of the pot, then the plant is fine. However once the roots have turned silvery-white they have dried out, and it's time to water. When in doubt about watering, wait another day.

For repotting, if you can fit the roots back in the same pot without much of a struggle then use that one. Do you have a pic of the pot with the roots?

As for listerine, you can just spray it on your plant straight from the bottle.

[Mikeg]

That is a huge, and healthy looking Phal Congrats and I hope you get the answers your looking for! If your worried in way shape and form of rot or see rotting, I would cut it off just for the reasons of spreading and I wouldn't be worried about the rest of the plant as much.

[bday_phal]

sorry for all the pics, concerned newbie here

[camille1585]

I would definitely use the same pot. To give you an idea, I move them up to the next size when they look like almost this, unless I really can't get it back in the pot without damage: