Phal roots yellowing - what to do?
 

Hello! I have a root question.

The roots of this phalaenopsis are gradually losing their color, fading from a strong green to a light green and now some are a pale yellow.

Some of the surface roots are completely brown, and others have desintegrated except for the wiry core which remains green.

Another symptom that could be related is that the newest leaf is growing in narrow and wavy.

I bought it a year ago, so perhaps it needs repotting? Or could it be the tap water it receives (hard)? I had been fertilizing weakly weekly but I backed off for three weeks when i noticed the roots' color change.

I've been very consciencious about letting the roots dry out between soakings.

I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have. It has grown so well this summer I was really looking forward to some blooms in a few months :/

Thank you

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I'm no expert, but I must ask if you've been flushing heavily with plain (preferably purified) water. It looks like there is white residue on the potting media which could be either from hard water or from a buildup of fertilizer salts. If you are going to be fertilizing weekly weakly you must flush out the pots of ferts to keep the roots from burning. I hope that solves your problem.

---------- Post added at 11:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:49 AM ----------

other than the top roots your other roots look pretty unremarkably normal, but again I'm no expert. perhaps someone else will chime in.

It's normal for the roots to be green after watering, then fade as the media dries.

Roots at the surface do often brown (while remaining fairly plump). I don't know why some may have disintegrated tho ...

A narrow wavey new leaf could be from too little water. The roots in the pot look good, so I know the roots haven't rotted.

If you have never repotted this plant, it would probably be a good idea to do so.

Gthumbz is correct to recommend monthly flushing of the media, if you don't already do so. I don't think it's necessary to use pure water (I don't) .