Brown root tips after watering

[cantrell]

Hi, all. I'm just learning about orchid care and I recently had something curious happen to my first phalaenopsis.

I'd been watering it under the sink sprayer for months with no issues, but I decided to try soaking it for the first time in order to avoid the possibility of crown rot. All seemed to go well, but two days later, I noticed that the root tips are turning brown (see attachment). Some additional facts:

• The water I used was directly from my sink and no fertilizer was added.
• I'm using lava rock as my medium.
• The pot is plastic.
• The orchid otherwise seems healthy, and is currently actively growing.

Any ideas as to what might be going on here?

Thanks!

Christian

[jcec1]

It looks like an actively going root tip. They sometimes take on a brown/purple tinge. Nothing to be worried about, in fact it shows that your plant is enjoying the care you are providing.

Additionally, if you are feeling brave, the next time you soak the plant and the root is nice and green and supple, you could bend it so the tip is in the pot and try and get the root to grow into the media. This is mostly for aesthetics, but the plant will come to no harm if you let the root grow in the air.

[cantrell]

Hi, there. Thanks for the reply. That's a huge relief. The same thing happened in the past after I fertilized it and set it outside to enjoy some nice Northern VA warmth and humidity, but I brought it back in when I noticed the color. It's amazing that I read an entire book on orchids that never once mentioned the fact that root tips can sometimes be purple.

Thanks again!

Christian

[Leafmite]

It might be the sunlight! Some root tips take on a pink or brown hue when exposed to light. As long as they continue to grow, this is not an issue.

I use lava rock for all my orchids and really, really love it. I find that with some of my orchids, including my two Phals, they need to be soaked for a few minutes each time I water. It is also good to flush the pots once a month to remove any fertilizer that has slowly been accumulating. Good luck! Your Phal looks very happy and healthy!

[cantrell]

Thanks, Leafmite. The lava rock is another reason I moved from spraying to soaking. The root seem to take up the water much better. However, I'll be sure to flush once a month.

My phals do get a little early direct sun, but it doesn't last long, and they seem to be tolerating it so far. The roots are certainly growing, and I just noticed the beginnings of a new leaf, so I'll assume all is well for now.

Best,
Christian

[estación seca]

Welcome!

You probably have decent tap water or the plant would have complained by now. A lot of people have tap water full of dissolved minerals, and at the wrong pH for most orchids. It is a good idea to check your water utility's online water quality report and see what you have. Most orchids prefer total dissolved solids 200 or under, including any fertilizer you add. Slipper orchids generally prefer even lower total dissolved solids.