Treating phalaenopsis with rot - Orchid Board

Pumpkin92 · #1 05-13-2015, 06:48 PM

I bought 2 phals 4/8/15 at Lowe's from the $3 clearance rack (they weren't in bloom). It was my second time buying orchids so I didn't really know what to look for. I got them home and one was in great shape (still is) and the other was a complete mess.

It had 4 green but limp leaves. I cut the 2 old spikes and realized it had started putting out a 3rd spike. I left the 3rd spike alone hoping it'd bloom. When I went to repot it I found out nearly all the root were dried and dead. I started cutting roots and realized I'd only have one root healthy root left so I left a few more "ok" looking roots alone. I planted it in a clear pot with large slats and in New Zealand sphagnum moss and got it on a water schedule. The bottom leaf rapidly yellowed and died though.

So I've been noticing 3rd spike wasn't growing anymore and decided to undo the moss to see what was going on. This is what I found today:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/619534...57652700290136

I already cut the 3rd spike and the remaining dead roots. I took it outside and sprayed Garden Safe Fungicide 3 (has extract of neem oil) all over it cause I didn't have anything else. Now its inside resting, bare root, in its former pot which I disinfected.

My questions: What kind of rot is this? What do I treat it with? What mistakes did I make? Do I put it back in the same moss? How do I prevent this from happening to any of my other phals?

Please help, thank you! =]

Zoi2 · #2 05-13-2015, 09:34 PM

In my opinion you've just overwatered it. Replant in moss and just keep it moist not wet. New roots should start growing in a couple of weeks.
Joann

Leafmite · #3 05-13-2015, 10:36 PM

In the wild, most Phals grow clinging to trees or rocks, roots exposed to humid air. The medium's purpose is to help keep the air around the roots humid. I have used moss with orchids but usually prefer to pair it with a shallow Vanda basket or basket pot so that plenty of air can get to the roots. When air doesn't get to the roots, they rot. I hope that helps.

Orchid Whisperer · #4 05-13-2015, 11:10 PM

I'll add to what Leafmie said just a bit. If you use moss, don't use the clear plastic pot. Instead. Try the Vanda basket mentioned. If you are using a plastic pot, or even a terracotta pot, use orchid bark or a similar material, not moss.

Pumpkin92 · #5 05-14-2015, 12:50 AM

What about this? I zoomed in for a clearer shot:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61953428@N06/17004638053/

That's what I was most concerned about. The red dots appeared out of nowhere on an old spike I cut. I've never seen it on any of my succulents or other phals. I think it got infected but now the base of the plant is turning squishy and black. The roots were mostly old damage but I definitely like those vanda baskets (I'll start hunting for good prices and shipping).

DweamGoiL · #6 05-20-2015, 05:12 PM

Your plant only has one good root and the base is turning squishy. I would consider it a goner and toss it being careful to keep it away from the rest of my plants. In the future, practice better culture; less watering and more aeration and you should be fine

Pumpkin92 · #7 05-21-2015, 03:14 AM

Yup! I pretty much came to terms that it's time for it to go...

The third leaf rapidly yellowed and I cut it off. And the other two roots (which weren't really viable) are gone now. The rot did responded to the fungicide, quit spreading and has dried up (so far). I know I should toss it, but I'm gonna let it hang around until the last root dies. I don't have many plants so keeping it quarantined is no problem, plus I have some free time.

Thank you all for your great advice! It will save my other phals, believe me...