No Roots, Please Help!!

[Audrey_C1]

I everyone,

I have a phal that I am trying to save, even though some may think that it is a lost cause. This phal has a special sentimental value to me.

I'm new to orchids, and have made several mistakes from the time I was given this phal. When I re potted it, some of the roots were dead because it had been over watered. I didn't know to soak the bark mix before potting, and this caused my pahl to be dehydrated. Not to mention that the pot was definitely too big for its size.

The pahl has lost all of its leaves, but still has its spike. I didn't know whether I should cut it, and from all I've read I've come to the conclusion that cutting it at the base now would be the best thing for the plant.

The only reason I think it still has a living chance is that it has a new leaf growing!

I don't know what to do for the re-potting. I've seen the instructions on other threads, but I'm not sure that the standard process is the best.

Is there any method I could use to promote root growth and save my dying phal

I welcome any and all suggestions.

I will post a pic as soon as I can.

[englandfx]

well u can try putting it in a plastic bag and sealing the bag...

[mayres]

The only reason I would leave the spike would be to hope for a keiki - I'd cut it above the first node (counting from the bottom/base). Look forward to a picture - that will give some ideas on how to proceed. If there are no roots at all left then you need to keep the humidity as high as possible around the base of the plant - by placing in a bag say with sphag around the base area, or some other method of accomplishing the same - but I wouldn't want it sealed - you do need at least some air movement/exchange.

[whalloper]

well, sounds not so good if u have no leaves, but what I do with my "intensive care unit" is good quality sphagnum moss watered with Superthrive and KLN rooting hormone dilluted to directions. Google these if they are not familiar products to you, but easily ordered through kkorchid.com as well as others. Where were you keeping this orchid? The direction of the window is important. Someone I recently talked to made a very good point...they said "Some people buy a low quality orchid (not knowing any better with bad roots), have little success, and think they cant grow orchids so they give up." It may have not been your fault at all. If I could give you 1 piece of advice, always look at the roots before buying an orchid, although I know this was a gift.

[lmartiny]

I had a new Phal around Christmas and repotted in Jan. It only had two good roots. However, it didn't lose it's leaves. It has recovered quite well. Here is a picture to give you some encouragement. It is an older picture and has gotten "rootier" since then.
I repotted in soaked bark and clamped it in place with a pot clip so it wouldn't wiggle around. Good luck.
Phal root recovery 2.jpg

[Audrey_C1]

I was finally able to cut all of the dead roots, which was all of them, and then put cinnamon on the area.
I also cut the spike to one node above the base, and put cinnamon on this cut.
I don't know where to go from here to try to save this phal.
As you can see in the pics below, there is a new leaf starting to grow.
Here are the pics.

[fred]

First of all welcome to the forum
you could try sphag in a bag http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/orc...tructions.html its going to take some time thou

you maybe better off to get yourself another phal while this one is in ICU

[Audrey_C1]

Thanks everyone. I will try putting this phal in a baggie, and keep you all posted on the process.

[englandfx]

It looks like it will be a very long recovery...if the plant is able to recover.
I estimate it will be 2-3 years before you can see blooms on it if it recovers.

Without any roots, the chances of a phal orchid to make it is possible, and do-able.
Now without any 'mature' leaf on it, and no roots the chances are real bad.

[Audrey_C1]

Yeah englandfx, from what I've read here... chances look slim to none. Either way, this was a good learning experience. I hope it makes it, but if it doesn't I'll know better for next time.

In the mean time, I bought a mini phal before I found this forum, and it looks to be doing pretty good.

Thanks for the baggie suggestion on this one though.

[Audrey_C1]

I've been reading the different threads, and came across Worm Tea.

Should I water the sphagnum moss watered with it, or stick with Superthrive and KLN rooting hormone dilluted to directions?

[lmartiny]

I have not tried the bag. So I can't really speak from experience. If it was me I'd put in soaked bark mix in a small pot, clamp it down, water it. Let it sit a few days. Then water with a sink spray every couple of days or so. Don't overwork it. It'll either make it or it won't . In the meantime, also tend to your new one.
(I do grow outside, which can be a bit different) But a plant such as this would be nearby for ICU.