Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots
Login
User Name
Password   


Registration is FREE. Click to become a member of OrchidBoard community
(You're NOT logged in)

menu menu

Sponsor
Donate Now
and become
Forum Supporter.

Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots
Many perks!
<...more...>


Sponsor
 

Google


Fauna Top Sites
LOG IN/REGISTER TO CLOSE THIS ADVERTISEMENT
  #1  
Old 01-01-2021, 10:02 AM
New2Orchids2020 New2Orchids2020 is offline
Jr. Member
 

Join Date: Nov 2020
Zone: 8a
Location: USA
Posts: 20
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots Female
Exclamation Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots

First of all-Happy New Year! 🥳🥳🥳

This is my Phalaenopsis Orchid. I've had it since September. It is growing a new leaf (see picture). Overall the plant is getting bigger. The roots do not look well. I trimmed the dried out roots when I replanted it November 1, 2020 so at that time all roots were plump....even if they may not have all been very green.

What is wrong with my roots? I only water when it is dry. I watch for roots to turn silvery. I water the roots and medium only never the leaves and I do not spritz with water. I keep the pot on top of a humidity bowl (small rocks and water) and the water level does not touch the pot.

I fertilize super weakly (1/4 of recommended amounts) each time I water (now extended to 2 weeks since I have the humidity bowls).
Fertilizer and Nutrients I use- Cal-Mag, Seaweed extract, epsom salt, Orchid plus fertilizer and garden lime (1/4 tsp on top of medium every once a month) All in a gallon of warm water. I water first in the sink in a large bowl and let them soak for 4 min. Then I drain all that out and pour 1/2 of the feeding mixture (1/2 gal) on the aerial roots and potting medium of each plant and drain out. I do not place the containers back on the humidity bowl until it appears that the roots are turning silvery again to prevent overwatering. Humidity is currently at 61% according to the gauge.

I unearthed it for the root pictures and when I did found one root that appears to be GROWING!

I need new roots. Please help.
Attached Thumbnails
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095130474787525252016479030495-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095130933277637999993701809228-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095131478578320744550533419613-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095132088932099706849849407653-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095133507006042131381160832028-jpg  

Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095137898188539740834830363400-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095138219655829374958451059517-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095138751674821332729522441835-jpg  

Last edited by New2Orchids2020; 01-01-2021 at 10:31 AM..
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-01-2021, 10:38 AM
SouthPark's Avatar
SouthPark SouthPark is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Dec 2018
Member of:AOS
Location: Australia, North Queensland
Posts: 5,214
Default

Happy new year!

If the temperature in the growing area is always within a suitable (satisfactory) range, and if the leaves of the orchid remain in good condition (as seen in the photos) ----- as in not shriveling or drying up ----- and as long as you see root growing activity ...... which you are seeing (because a new root off-shoot is extending out) ----- then it should be ok.

Your bark has the appearance of being quite dry. So one point to note is that very dry bark (such as new bark) can take a while to 'prime' and get water into it. If bark is dry, and not enough time is given for water to penetrate into it, then the bark may remain quite dry ....... and the orchid roots (in the media) may not get enough humidity or water.

But it appears that the leaves are still looking good. And clearly a new root outgrowth has developed. So just check to see if the bark does get wet enough (but not stay soggy for long times), and ensure that the temperature in the room is not too cold.

Also ------ those little rocks with water may not be enough to provide humidity. Somebody else might comment on that. It's possible that they just won't have much effect on humidity.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-01-2021, 10:39 AM
Mr.Fakename's Avatar
Mr.Fakename Mr.Fakename is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Jul 2020
Age: 28
Posts: 701
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots Male
Default

Happy New Year!


What water are you using? What about the quantities of products?
CalMag + Epsom salts + lime sounds like a lot of calcium and magnesium, especially if you're watering with tap water.

The roots you're showing seem very dry; with Phal you can keep the potting mix a bit moist.
Don't be afraid to mist the roots on the top of the medium if they dry too fast.

Overall if it's growing leaf and roots, don't feel too concerned. Your plant doesn't look unhealthy and is probably just recovering!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-01-2021, 10:42 AM
WaterWitchin's Avatar
WaterWitchin WaterWitchin is offline
Administrator
 

Join Date: Feb 2011
Zone: 6a
Location: Kansas
Posts: 5,032
Default

You're underwatering it. Once every two weeks in that bark mix isn't enough. That's why the roots are drying up. The "humidity bowl" does absolutely nothing for the plant, as far as it being watered. If you're waiting until the roots turn silver, then placing it on the saucer, you should be watering it again instead.

---------- Post added at 09:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 AM ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Fakename View Post
Happy New Year!


What water are you using? What about the quantities of products?
CalMag + Epsom salts + lime sounds like a lot of calcium and magnesium, especially if you're watering with tap water. ...
Yup, and also this. Way too much, especially when using that combo at every watering, especially if you're watering with tap water.
__________________
Caveat: Everything suggested is based on my environment and culture. Please adjust accordingly.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-01-2021, 10:54 AM
New2Orchids2020 New2Orchids2020 is offline
Jr. Member
 

Join Date: Nov 2020
Zone: 8a
Location: USA
Posts: 20
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots Female
Default

Dear SouthPark,

Thank you for responding. 🤗

My most recent watering was December 22, 2020. When I unearthed my Phal today for the root pictures the bark medium was moist. I am not sure about it staying soggy after watering. I drain it well.

So....

Should I NOT let the pot sit in water for a few minutes?


I don't water them that often and I was concerned they would not get enough water. That was my initial problem with this Phalaenopsis Orchid, I was so scared that I would over water it that I under watered it.

---------- Post added at 09:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Fakename View Post
Happy New Year!


What water are you using? What about the quantities of products?
CalMag + Epsom salts + lime sounds like a lot of calcium and magnesium, especially if you're watering with tap water.

The roots you're showing seem very dry; with Phal you can keep the potting mix a bit moist.
Don't be afraid to mist the roots on the top of the medium if they dry too fast.

Overall if it's growing leaf and roots, don't feel too concerned. Your plant doesn't look unhealthy and is probably just recovering!
Dear Mr. Fakename,
Thank you responding.

I use tap water.
Zone 8
It is very humid here.

I use 1/4 of a teaspoon of each nutrient/fertilizer in a gallon of water. Which is half of a half of what is directed on each bag. I split the gallon between my two orchids.

When I unearthed the roots the bark medium was moist and the roots look papery but feel moist.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-01-2021, 12:33 PM
Orchidtinkerer Orchidtinkerer is offline
Banned
 

Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 441
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots
Default

The plant looks fine to me. Yes the older roots are deteriorating but new growth tips are being produced which is what you want. I wouldn't worry about it too much, the roots look like they were broken at some point and broken roots eventually die. It's to be expectected on new purchases. Spray the top of the roots if you want but it all sounds fine to me. If the substrate were being kept too wet the orchid would not be producing new roots and if it were too dry the leaves would start to dehydrate so overall the orchid just needs to settle in for a year first.

I will also second the sentiments on the fertilizer - what you are doing is absolutely correct in theory however every time you add fertilizers you are upping the strength so feeding 4 different things at 1/4 strength = full strength (in theory).
You can gladly carry on but I would go for 1/8 strength (ie halve everything you have been feeding so far) to be safe.
If you have a ppm meter you could confirm but I can safely say that the seaweed and the orchid fertilizer together at 1/4 strength will = a 1/2 strength feed, the calmag and the epsom and lime also will double themselves up so I would halve everything - just as a rough guide of course. Since you are already using a 1/4 spoon measurement which is tricky to halve you might have to double the water you add it to.

Last edited by Orchidtinkerer; 01-01-2021 at 12:41 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-01-2021, 02:42 PM
Ray's Avatar
Ray Ray is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: May 2005
Member of:AOS
Location: Oak Island NC
Posts: 14,782
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots Male
Default

Personally, I think you're underwatering and poisoning your plant.

Where do you live? What is the mineral content of your tap water? As Mr. Fakename mentioned, you're probably overdoing the calcium, to extreme.
__________________
Ray Barkalow, Orchid Iconoclast
FIRSTRAYS.COM
Try Kelpak - you won't be sorry!
Reply With Quote
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Likes
Likes WaterWitchin liked this post
  #8  
Old 01-01-2021, 03:51 PM
New2Orchids2020 New2Orchids2020 is offline
Jr. Member
 

Join Date: Nov 2020
Zone: 8a
Location: USA
Posts: 20
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots Female
Default Phalaenopsis Orchid watered and dead roots removed

Quote:
Originally Posted by WaterWitchin View Post
You're underwatering it. Once every two weeks in that bark mix isn't enough. That's why the roots are drying up. The "humidity bowl" does absolutely nothing for the plant, as far as it being watered. If you're waiting until the roots turn silver, then placing it on the saucer, you should be watering it again instead.

---------- Post added at 09:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 AM ----------



Yup, and also this. Way too much, especially when using that combo at every watering, especially if you're watering with tap water.

Dear WaterWitchin',

Thank you for responding. I unpotted my orchid, pulled off the old moldy velamen, repotted it and watered it.
Attached Thumbnails
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-20210101_121637-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-20210101_122235-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-20210101_121610-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-20210101_121657-jpg  
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-01-2021, 04:12 PM
New2Orchids2020 New2Orchids2020 is offline
Jr. Member
 

Join Date: Nov 2020
Zone: 8a
Location: USA
Posts: 20
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots Female
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray View Post
Personally, I think you're underwatering and poisoning your plant.

Where do you live? What is the mineral content of your tap water? As Mr. Fakename mentioned, you're probably overdoing the calcium, to extreme.

Dear Ray.
Thank you for responding. I am in zone 8. Tap water results attached. Everything I read says you should fertilize/feed weakly weekly at 1/2 of what the directions say to use. I use even less-1/4 to a gallon of water and each plant only gets half the gallon every 2 weeks.

I watered my plants as suggested.

The idea for the supplements is from a lady on YouTube called Orchid Whisperer.

I did not see any growth in my plants until I began using the CalMag. Now I have a new leaf and root growth. I will water them more frequently and see how they fare.
Attached Thumbnails
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-screenshot_20210101-150632_drive-jpg  
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-01-2021, 04:20 PM
New2Orchids2020 New2Orchids2020 is offline
Jr. Member
 

Join Date: Nov 2020
Zone: 8a
Location: USA
Posts: 20
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots Female
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Orchidtinkerer View Post
The plant looks fine to me. Yes the older roots are deteriorating but new growth tips are being produced which is what you want. I wouldn't worry about it too much, the roots look like they were broken at some point and broken roots eventually die. It's to be expectected on new purchases. Spray the top of the roots if you want but it all sounds fine to me. If the substrate were being kept too wet the orchid would not be producing new roots and if it were too dry the leaves would start to dehydrate so overall the orchid just needs to settle in for a year first.

I will also second the sentiments on the fertilizer - what you are doing is absolutely correct in theory however every time you add fertilizers you are upping the strength so feeding 4 different things at 1/4 strength = full strength (in theory).
You can gladly carry on but I would go for 1/8 strength (ie halve everything you have been feeding so far) to be safe.
If you have a ppm meter you could confirm but I can safely say that the seaweed and the orchid fertilizer together at 1/4 strength will = a 1/2 strength feed, the calmag and the epsom and lime also will double themselves up so I would halve everything - just as a rough guide of course. Since you are already using a 1/4 spoon measurement which is tricky to halve you might have to double the water you add it to.

Dear Orchidtinkerer,

Thank you for the vote of.confidence and encouraging words. I watered my orchid and trimmed off the dead velamen. The roots can be seen as green through the container.

I will use more water next time I fertilize/feed/supplement to dilute it.
Attached Thumbnails
Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-20210101_121657-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-20210101_122235-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095359561941194879187217916591-jpg   Phalaenopsis Orchid- Great leaves/ Poor Roots-16095360003394420400039504332299-jpg  
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
bowl, humidity, roots, top, water


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Urgent Orchid Advice - Withering/Yellow Lower Leaves phalorchidto Beginner Discussion 7 09-24-2019 12:49 AM
Orchid losing leaves PurplePali Beginner Discussion 19 07-19-2019 04:43 PM
Can I grow my Phalaenopsis (Moth) Orchid in a bathroom with heated light globes? RikkiSowtz Beginner Discussion 3 07-27-2013 06:06 PM
Phalaenopsis slowly losing its leaves...please help! SunStar253 Pests & Diseases 12 06-22-2008 03:20 PM
colour of a healthy Phalaenopsis violacea leaves ladyslipper Hybrids 7 04-05-2008 01:06 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:09 AM.

© 2007 OrchidBoard.com
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.37 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.

Clubs vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.