Advice: Paphiopedilum Hilo Black Eagle (in spike) arrived with possible root issue
Hello, I have an Paph Hilo Black Eagle (shipped from a reputable vendor) that arrived today with possible root issues. The roots that are visible at the top of the planting medium are black and they were cold and clammy to the touch when I unboxed it. Almost a “tacky” sensation when touching them. My gut says to unpot it and prune away any rotted material, but it is in spike…looking for advice on whether to wait it out and see what happens or take the risk and pop it out of the pot. It appears (from looking at the roots exposed by displaced material during shipment) that the plant had been in a 4” pot and was recently moved into a 6” pot; the roots are clearly wound in a square shape and not integrated into amy surrounding media.
I have the plant quarantined away from the rest of my orchids (standard procedure after I lost nearly my entire collection about 5 years ago to a bug infestation that spread around from a plant I brought in). Before that incident, I had a fairly nice collection of paphs and phrags, purchased mostly from local nurseries as well as a few multiflorals purchased from the NW Garden Show. I am regrowing that collection, finally!
I will try and attach some pics and I would appreciate advice on how to proceed. I have emailed the vendor asking the same question, FYI. The first pic is an overall plant view; second shows the “square” root growth; third shows the exposed blackened roots.
Thanks so much for any assistance you can provide!
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