Roots on new orchid - Orchid Board

gingersmommy · #1 01-16-2018, 10:42 AM

Probably too late because I already repotted yesterday, but I purchased a new orchid from the grocery store a couple of weeks ago. It was packed in moss with a plug in the middle and took me a long time to free all of the moss from the roots, even after soaking. The roots were beautiful, I thought. Many, many green lush roots, some yellow but firm. I barely had to cut any dead parts away. My question after seeing a repotting video, are the yellow roots okay to keep? Again, they seemed firm and robust and many had green farther down. I didn't cut them out when repotting but I saw one video where they cut all the yellow roots out. Because I just did this yesterday, I suppose I can repot it again, if I should have cut the yellow roots. Then I can leave it alone for a couple of years. I repotted it in bark and clay balls in a vented pot within a bigger plastic pot. Thought this would keep the moisture in more coming from moss. Thank you.

estación seca · #2 01-16-2018, 11:39 AM

I would leave it alone now. I don't usually cut roots. The ones that come off in my hands are definitely dead. I can't tell about the others. The most important thing now will be to keep it warm and be sure the roots have air while they are recovering.

camille1585 · #3 01-16-2018, 11:49 AM

The roots are yellow due to not being exposed to light since they were in the center of the pot. Orchid roots have chlorophyll and can photosynthesize, and will turn green when exposed to light. The rule of thumb is that anything firm, regardless of color, breaks and cracks, is a good root. Only cut was is mushy.

Whoever did that video had no clue what they were doing.

gingersmommy · #4 01-16-2018, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

The roots are yellow due to not being exposed to light since they were in the center of the pot. Orchid roots have chlorophyll and can photosynthesize, and will turn green when exposed to light. The rule of thumb is that anything firm, regardless of color, breaks and cracks, is a good root. Only cut was is mushy.

Whoever did that video had no clue what they were doing.

I think it was on YouTube.

Dollythehun · #5 01-16-2018, 02:03 PM

I echo the above but want to add...stay away from YouTube. Ask here first. More horror stories come from YouTube than you can count. I am curious as to what kind of orchid you re-potted.

gingersmommy · #6 01-16-2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I echo the above but want to add...stay away from YouTube. Ask here first. More horror stories come from YouTube than you can count. I am curious as to what kind of orchid you re-potted.

Thank you. There seem to be so many "experts" on YouTube; thought I could get some tips.

I repotted a garden variety phal, no name. Can send a picture later (if I have rights, and if I can figure it out!).

Dollythehun · #7 01-16-2018, 02:13 PM

You've posted enough. You ought to be able to post a picture. I can't tell you how many misinformed, frantic posters have come here because of YouTube. Might be fine for my ceiling fan...but it's not living. Just get a second opinion before proceeding... We love to help, y'know.

gingersmommy · #8 01-16-2018, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

You've posted enough. You ought to be able to post a picture. I can't tell you how many misinformed, frantic posters have come here because of YouTube. Might be fine for my ceiling fan...but it's not living. Just get a second opinion before proceeding... We love to help, y'know.

Thank you!