I'd like to learn more about roots.

[Rema]

Hi everyone, I've learned so much on this forum already and I thank you all very much for it. Reading many posts I've learned to appreciate the whole plant's health and well being, instead of only enjoying the pretty blooms. So far I mostly care for phals Noids that I bought because of the pretty blooms, but now am very pleased to see how the plants have responded to my care with new roots, improvement on the aspect of older leaves and the beginning of new leaves.
A few weeks ago I polinated one of the mini phals that improved under my care and everything was doing great but suddenly the pod started shriveling and I imedialy cut it off. Since then this plant hasn't been looking that good and today I decided to take it out of the pot to check its roots. Thought none of them are mushy or brown/black, they do not look as good as I'd expect. They look very white and kind of frail. Is it the beginning simptoms of overwatering? Should I leave it out of its pot for a while?

Thank you for your time!

[orchidaddict789]

Without a pic it's hard to tell. Are they still firm? If they aren't mushy, shriveled, or empty (the papery material peeling off), they are fine. Roots down in the media tend to be white, since they aren't exposed to light, and that is perfectly normal.

[Rema]

Yes, they are still somewhat firm, but not as firm as the roots on the healthier plants. That is what got me a bit concerned. I have other phals that are in the same kind of pot as this one and their roots were quite green and thick, and much firmer in comparison.

[Rema]

I've been closely watching this plant for the last few days, and I'm not sure what is going on. In case the roots are failing, what would be the first signs I should watch out for?

[jsehorn]

When roots fail, the plant is no longer able to take up water, so early signs of root failure look just like underwatering: wrinkled pseudobulbs and soft, floppy leaves. Of course your Phal has no pseudobulbs, so you'll just notice some wrinkling in the leaves, and the leaves will be floppy.

However, if the roots die due to overwatering, leaves turning yellow from the bottom of the plant up (if the plant is monopodial) may be an early sign of overwatering, which will lead to root failure.