Mold on Phal roots

[emeraude1484]

I have actual MOULD on the roots!!! Taking it out now, I was wondering if I should do a peroxide dip and leave it out of any media to let dry. I should also keep it it a somewhat shady place for awhile after right?

Thanks
Stefanie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Mold on the roots is caused by not enough air movement. Pour on the peroxide and let it dry out for awhile. Be sure to put it in a medium that doesn't hold so much water and has holes in the pot so the orchid roots can breath. Good luck, Stefanie.

Cheers,
BD

[emeraude1484]

Just a bit of an update. The plant is STILL ALIVE!!! looking a bit sad but... I was wondering what I should do now. Here's a picture, there are only 2 roots left, the yellowing of the leaves seems to have stopped and there are 2 new leaves growing! Should I repot, lower the plant into the media or leave it alone?

Thanks!
Stefanie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

No photo, Stefanie. Perhaps it was too large to upload?

Cheers,
BD

[emeraude1484]

having trouble posting the pic

[emeraude1484]

there we go

[Brutal_Dreamer]

It looks like a large pot for that orchid, but if it is growing two new leaves now, why not let it alone and see how it goes. It will need a repot into a bit smaller container at some point before the bark breaks down. The bark, from the angle in the photo, appears to be very large. This will allow water to run through pretty quickly allowing the roots to dry out. (A good thing.) But, it will eventually break down and start holding more and more water. Before that happens, you will need to repot.

Glad you are seeing some healthy signs of recovery for this one. Hopefully it will start some new roots as well.

Cheers,
BD

[emeraude1484]

Thanks BD! Really hoping for new roots too! I don't know about the pot though... Thing is that one of the roots that are left is pretty straight and I'm afraid of breaking it if I try to force it into a smaller pot...

[emeraude1484]

Oh! When I do repot, would I lower the plant further into the media or leave it as is until I start seeing new root growth?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Oh! When I do repot, would I lower the plant further into the media or leave it as is until I start seeing new root growth?

Just plant the roots into the medium. And about breaking the root. Be sure to soak the roots for 10 - 15 minutes until they turn very bright green and are really flexible. This way you are less likely to damage them when repotting.

Cheers,
BD