Phalaenopsis Roots Almost Gone

[morningleaf]

Hi! I'm new (both to the forum and to orchids!) so I hope this thread is in the right place and everything!

I've recently been put in charge of my grandmother's orchid, and it's not in a very good state. She had it in standard potting soil, and the roots are almost entirely rotted away. There are several short, white, wire-y roots coming from the plant, and a new one just starting to pole out. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to encourage the growth of new roots, and hopefuly save this little orchid! I did repot it in proper orchid mix, but without roots its a tad bit unstable.

Thanks guys!!!

[jkofferdahl]

There are two good ways to encourage a Phal to grow new roots. One involves bare-root growing in a glass or jar with a thorough soaking each day. Since you've repotted in a suitable material, though, I'll suggest plan B. The wobbly nature of how the plant is potted is going to be a problem. Phals like to be secure and steady. It might grow nubs, but they won't lengthen if the plant wobbles. Get some sort of stake - I use wooden cooking skewers, but bamboo flower poles are great - and work it into the potting medium so that it's firmly set. Then secure the plant to the stake. You can use twist-ties, twine, or anything else that will hold the plant. If it still wobbles at all, use a second stake on the other side - it might be a good idea even if it seems stable with one. (Speaking of stakes, by the way, my boss is a direct blood descendant of Vlad the Impaler. Kinda cool, in a sick, scary way.) The stakes should hold the plant securely to the medium/pot until it develops enough of a root system to support itself. When I use this method I let the potting media stay fairly dry, spraying the root area with a mister rather than actually watering. It shouldn't take more than a few weeks Once new roots begin to grow, say 1/2 inch or so, you'll want to start watering as normal.

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