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Thread: Phal roots dead is there any thing to be done to save the plant

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  1. #1
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    Exclamation Phal roots dead is there any thing to be done to save the plant

    Shall I just chuck my Phal away?
    The roots were all whiteish but firmwhen I repotted my Phal a month ago. I think the pot I used was too big and I over watered it because the medium was a lot more porous. I only decided to have a look at it because I couldn't see any new roots or leaves. As you can see there aren't any good roots but the leaves look strong.Name:  Orchid 1.JPG
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  2. #2
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    I would treat it with a Kelp product or a rooting hormone.

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    There might be a few good roots in there. They don't look like they are rotted which is good. I would cut off any root that is dead. A dead root will feel empty and papery. Cut off any root that looks black and rotten.

    Then I would put the entire plant in a plastic bag sitting it on a small ball of damp moss. Seal the bag and leave it for a few weeks. This will help prevent the plant from drying out until it starts to grow new roots.

    When I have done this I open the bag now and then to let in some fresh air. When you see roots beginning to form you can take it out of the bag and put it in a pot on top of damp moss. I had one just like this about 3 months ago. It is doing very well, never lost a leaf and is growing new roots. I did not use rooting hormone but probably would if I had some.

    I think it is easier to save a phal that has lost it roots than one that has lost its leaves.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by sciencegal View Post
    There might be a few good roots in there. They don't look like they are rotted which is good. I would cut off any root that is dead. A dead root will feel empty and papery. Cut off any root that looks black and rotten.

    Then I would put the entire plant in a plastic bag sitting it on a small ball of damp moss. Seal the bag and leave it for a few weeks. This will help prevent the plant from drying out until it starts to grow new roots.

    When I have done this I open the bag now and then to let in some fresh air. When you see roots beginning to form you can take it out of the bag and put it in a pot on top of damp moss. I had one just like this about 3 months ago. It is doing very well, never lost a leaf and is growing new roots. I did not use rooting hormone but probably would if I had some.

    I think it is easier to save a phal that has lost it roots than one that has lost its leaves.
    Would it need to be a clear bag?

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    I would give both Karin and Harvey's advise a try, more then likely you will save this phal!

  6. #6
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    Would the bag need to be clear?

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    I would use something that would let at least some light in. I used a ziplock type bag.

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    Just be patient, it can take more than a month to finaly see roots pocking out.

  9. #9
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    Hey guys that's so much for your advice. It was so heart breaking. I've cut it all back these were the only ones which were firm.

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    There is some black on the roots is this ok?
    I've just taken a look at the other orchids I repotted. They are in a state, I think the media I used wasn't right. It was a bark with small bits of gravel. It retained way more water at the bottom than at the top. I've bought some more bark which is all the same kind of size hopefully I'll have a better luck. I was massively worried about repotting them. Turns out I was right to be afraid!!!

    If the roots are white but firm should I leave them on?

  10. #10
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    The roots look good. Firm and white is good. I would spray some hydrogen peroxide on the roots which will kill the bacteria and fungus causing the black areas. Don't rinse it off, just let it dry. I think repotting in bark with maybe a little fresh moss if you have it will be fine. It will just need some careful watching and TLC. It looks better than the one I had which lost all of the roots except one short surface root.

    ---------- Post Merged at 08:16 AM ----------

    Oh, and when I have an orchid with very short roots I find a way to support it so it does not wiggle around in the pot when you move it. That way the roots do not get disturbed. I have used plant ties going through holes in the pot running over or around the plant securing it in place. Some people use stakes and zip tie the orchid to the stake. If it wiggles around it thinks it is being repotted constantly.

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