Wrinkled Root on Phal - Orchid Board

leen · #1 03-19-2009, 11:54 AM

Hi there,

I have a phal that's planted in sphag moss. Just yesterday, I noticed one of the aerial roots turned all wrinkly and dry. I never fully moisten this root, but only spray it with a little bit of water each morning. Now the tip is all wrinkly and I don't know why? Should I cut the wrinkly tip off? But if I cut a portion of the root off, is it considered a dead root or will the lower portion of it still be able to absorb water from the pot? Please advise on what to do about this.

Thanks!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 03-19-2009, 12:17 PM

The only cutting of roots anyone should do, is if they're completely lifeless, dead, caputsky. More roots on an orchid the better. It means your plant can grow stronger, has more vitality, has a better chance of withstanding stress, and may produce more blooms.

The reason why the roots on your Phal are wrinkley is because it was exposed to the relatively drier air in your room compared to the more humid air of the tropics. Put the root in the pot and you should be fine.

I also recommend that you repot your Phal in large grade wood chips rather than keep it growing in the moss. Sphagnum keeps the roots too wet for too long in the case of Phalaenopsis and may rot out quite a few of the roots on your plant. Again when you repot, find the dead roots and remove them. Living ones are green or whitish green, with green or olive tips. Dead ones are brown, black, or beige.

Mounting may be another option if you're having a hard time growing them potted (like I did, due to the conditions here).

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #3 03-19-2009, 12:20 PM

Be careful though, some roots may be old or waterlogged but are still alive, but on their way out, keep those on the plant. If the roots are still firm, they're most likely still alive. If the roots are squishy and what used to be the velamin pulls off or comes off easily it's dead.

leen · #4 03-19-2009, 03:22 PM

Thanks King of Orchid Growing! I can't put the root in the pot because it's already grown out of the pot and in order for me to stick it in, i'll have to break it, which i don't want to do. But what I have done now is put a little bag over it with some water, hoping the increased humidity can help it.

and I'll defininitely look into replanting in bark chips.

camille1585 · #5 03-19-2009, 04:41 PM

I don't think a dried up aerial root is a big problem. When I get a new phal, some of the aerial roots sometimes dry up like you describe, probably because they are so used to the humid greenhouse they grew in. But the aerial roots the phal grows after I get it stay healthy, because they are adapted to the environment they are in. I give them a slight misting every morning before I leave.

As long as all the roots in the pot are fine, the loss of an aerial root shouldn't be a big issue, as they marginally contribute to hydrating the plant.