Could this be a fungal infection?
 

Hey guys. I have this mini orchid right here that I have had for maybe 5 months. At the time I was a complete noob with orchids, and I overwatered and rotted my roots. As I learned more about orchids, I learned to repot with some good medium and sanitize which I did. I also cut the stems and used cinammon to protect from fungus. I had some great root growth and grew out a whole new leaf as well so I was pretty excited that I saved my first orchid!

This past month or so though, I have had zero growth on it. The leaves are still in great shape, nice thick and healthy, and roots look great. but I am worried about this lack of growth being caused by these pictures attached. These dark dead spots are around where I cut the stem. Does this look like an infection to you? If so, how should I go about saving it? Also FYI, the roots look a little dark in these pictures but inside the medium since I have a clear pot the roots look great.


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The brown root looks dead, but as you say the one above it is white. I'm going to let some Phal growers chime in because I'm not sure what to do. {bump}

Yep, those are dying/dead roots, while the other is quite healthy-looking. The medium seems awfully dry, but other than that, I see no issues there.

Inside the medium the roots look great though (through my plastic pot). Could this still be affecting the development if they are rotting on the surface?

There is no Fungal or Bacterial infestation since some roots are pencil thick and healthy; the leaves of the plant is crisp and thriving with correct color of leaves ( meaning you are giving it the proper sunlight).
The media mix is rotting that's making the surface black and darker in color; so maybe you need to repot and spray with physan20 to ease your mind.

I agree with Ray. There is no obvious cultural issue in the photo, though a root appears to be on its way out. Just 5 months after you repotted, I see no need to repot again. The medium looks to be fresh and in good shape.

Physan is a disinfectant which works on some bacterial infections and Botrytis; see http://www.staugorchidsociety.org/PD...idDiseases.pdf. I would not use it simply to ease your mind. Use it when it is an appropriate treatment for one of the problems indicated on the chart at the above link.

Orchids are slow growers. Keep providing good care, don't over water and see what happens.

I'm not sure what the seasons are like where you are but in my area, my phals' growth always slows down as the days get shorter and cooler, then it picks up again in the brighter, warmer months.

I like to use a very thin layer of sphagnum moss (no more than a half inch) near the base of the plant to raise the humidity around that area. It can help encourage roots to grow.

Other than that, like the experts have said, phals grow slowly. Care for it well, and when it's ready, it will certainly make new growth. It's a good sign that you have healthy roots and leaves to start with.


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Thanks for the link to that chart, Orchid Whisperer. Very useful. :)