Phalaenopsis with odd spots and sad roots - Orchid Board

floatandsting · #1 07-31-2009, 04:14 PM

I bought this phal a week ago from Ikea. I have been reading all that I can but have some questions I haven't been able to answer. I am very attached to this plant already and it's opened two blooms since I've had it! But there are still some concerning things about it, so I've taken detailed photos as I hope someone can help me with my conundrums.

a) I have no idea what it's specific species is, all the label said was "Phalaenopsis".
b) The pencil test failed but looking through the side of the pot, it looks moist.
c) Also, there are lots of dry shrivelled aerial roots. They're not mushy, so I don't think it's been overwatered, but chronically underwatered. Can I prune these back now (and cinnamon powder) without repotting?
I know it's unwise to repot while the orchid is in bloom, but the roots are worrying me so much I wonder if it's time to do it now. Also, I'm not sure if the medium is any good. I think it looks fine but after a thorough water bath for half an hour, a couple days later, the pencil test fails. But the bottom looks moist! Maybe I've read too much, ha.
d) There are some odd raised small white spots on one root that I can see, and the root has an unhealthy brown colour. They don't move. Does anyone think they're a disease?
e) There are a section of spots on two of the leaves, I took two pictures of each and have posted them in the album. Are these ok or diseased or sunburnt? I just have no idea what to worry about and what is just fine.

I posted an album with lots of closeups with these photos so that might be easier to look at. I think that might be the easiest way to look at them, as I have captioned them all. If this doesn't work, please let me know.

orchidsamore · #2 07-31-2009, 04:23 PM

Phalaenopsis can be removed from the pot when in bloom with very little danger. If it will make you feel better remove it and look at the roots.

The shriveled aerial roots can be cut off. They are dead so removing them does nothing to the plant but will make it look better.

i could not figure how to see your album photos.

floatandsting · #3 07-31-2009, 04:29 PM

Oh thank you so much for your quick reply. You can see the album if you click the camera on the right side beneath my join date.

Zoi2 · #4 08-01-2009, 02:04 AM

Hello floatandsting and welcome to the Orchid Board.
Your phal is beautiful. I can not give you an identification as there are hundreds of phal hybrids. The leaves look good, I think you've got a bit of mechanical damage-plant was bumped or rubbed against something. Your roots look good and green so they are moist. Wait until they turn silver/white to water again. The aeiral roots that are hard and brown are dead so they can be cut off. From what I could see of your potting medium, it looks ok. After the plant is finished blooming you could repot to fresher potting medium. You've got a lovely healthy plant, sit back relax and enjoy.

Joann

Narnia · #5 08-01-2009, 02:14 AM

Your phal looks fine. In fact, I think I have the same one

No idea what the name is though. It was my first one and I think I threw away the tag without thinking

floatandsting · #6 08-07-2009, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Hello floatandsting and welcome to the Orchid Board.
Your phal is beautiful. I can not give you an identification as there are hundreds of phal hybrids. The leaves look good, I think you've got a bit of mechanical damage-plant was bumped or rubbed against something. Your roots look good and green so they are moist. Wait until they turn silver/white to water again. The aeiral roots that are hard and brown are dead so they can be cut off. From what I could see of your potting medium, it looks ok. After the plant is finished blooming you could repot to fresher potting medium. You've got a lovely healthy plant, sit back relax and enjoy.

Joann

Joann, thank you so much, for your advice and your kindness. It took such a load off my mind. Sorry it's taken so long to reply.