another phal.. is this crown rot??

[Shani]

I ordered this phal online and I was really pleased when i first saw how healthy the roots were! Unfortunately, upon closer examination it looks like its got a rot going. I'm not sure if this is just normal, but it looks like the roots touching it are blackening so I am concerned. Please give me your opinions! and suggestions on what to do about it are more than welcome. Thank you thank you all for your time!

[jai_star]

I would be cautious with this one. It does look like rot developing.. perhaps use the glass jar method instead of packing it into a pot that way with the jar you can see what is happening to the roots. Do you have hydroton clay pellets? Just use thos and a glass vase or jar

[Shani]

I don't have hydroton, I've been using a lava rock/bark mix :-/ Excellent idea on the see through container though. Is there any way to stop the rot in its tracks? or just cross my fingers and hope it doesn't spread?

[eircsmith]

I was a Hydroton user. I have always faced with the issue regarding, the floating ones and lots of problems because of it. As compared to Hydroton, lava rock/bark mix should be beneficial.