Help! Dying roots on my orchid..

[K-Lye]

Hi.. I've been reading around trying to find help on why our orchid roots keep dying. We've read up on how best to look after it but despite our best efforts this'll be our third failed attempt if we can't recover it.

I believe this is a phal. When we first got it, was flowering and doing well with the roots coming over the top growing nicely. However, ever since the flowers dropped (and I've trimmed the stem) it just seems to be slipping away.

Specifically, it appears that the roots coming over the top are initially turning black amd then drying up. I'm going to try and get some pictures posted up so bear with me. I'd really appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.

[Ellen]

Pictures would help. Aerial roots dying could be due to low humidity. Roots in the pot dying could be due to underwatering or overwatering. If you haven't read the posting on this forum about using bamboo skewers to gauge when to water, you might want to take a look at it.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

How about water quality? Are you watering with sodium softened water, or do you have a very high mineral content in your water? Fertilizing should be done at 1/4 strength compared to non-orchids. And do not use time release.

[K-Lye]

I've uploaded top and side view shots. You should be able to see the roots at the top dying out. Sorry - they're not the best qulity pictures. Thanks for the responses so far.

Ellen - I had considered that the humidity might be the problem. Our place is quite dry and the plants we have generally suffer if we don't mist the leaves daily. I generally do the same with the orchid. I'll have a look for those posts on bamboo skewers

Cynthia - that's an interesting one. We do have slightly hard water in our area. I haven't tried a fertilizer yet, perhaps that something I should do. What baffles me is why the orchid would be fine while it was flowering (we even had new roots growing over the top) but then start dropping off

[Aniko]

I think there is nothing wrong with this phal.Inside the pot the roots seem to be healthy which is the most important thing. Dying aerial roots are common in dryer conditions and affect only the look (if you don't like it...) Misting could help to keep them alive, but it's a risky procedure in cooler locations as yours because can trigger fungus development/rot on the crown.
Aniko.

[fzzdk]

is that standing water in the bottom of the pot? if so, i don't believe that's good. try watering less or getting a more well draining pot. it seems like with that much water sitting in the bottom, you might rot the roots.

unless this is one of those weird semi-hydroponic plantings, which i know nothing about.

The roots in the pot look healthy. Does that outside pot have drainage? If it doesn't, either don't use it or put some stones in the bottom to keep the inner pot out of any standing water. Your aerial roots may be dying from dryness. You don't necessarily have to mist the leaves, but misting the roots might help.

And do use the skewers, they're wonderful.

[pikevi]

Hi,

I was just wondering if lack of sufficient (ambient) humidity could be the reason for the drying of roots outside the pot?

I am not suggesting it , just asking

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Remember that misting should be done in the morning so that the leaves, and particularly the center/crown of the plant is dry by the time the temperature starts to fall.

[Sharyn]

Your plants look good to me. I too live in an area where keeping up the humidity is tough. Although my plants are healthy, the aerial roots are sometimes dry. Ellen gave me a tip for making my own humidity trays, very inexpensive. You might like to see her info on the link I've included. These trays have help immensely. Good luck.

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...humidity+trays

[jerrymeola]

Your Phal was growing in a controlled watering system where all the roots got top watered every day or so.

By moving it to your home the roots that do not get enough water will die. Your plant has plenty of good roots and the plant decided not to extend the energy to try to maintain the unnecessary roots.

This happens with all orchids but when they are in the pot you do not see it.