Repotting a Phal with root rot

[desertgal]

I purchased a large phal in bud on line and when it arrived it started to wilt and the buds blasted. I took it out of the pot and discovered that almost all of the roots are rotted away. How to I handle this? The leaves are large and if I cut away all of the bad roots there will not be enough left to stabilize the plant. It has a big spike, should I cut it all the way back so that strength goes to the plant? I really want to save this plant as it has beautiful red blooms.

[mayres]

Hi Desertgal - sounds to me like you already know what should be done. Yes, yes and yes. There is no reason to keep rotted roots on the plant. If anything it will just potentially lead to spreading to what few you have left - remove them. If you have only a few short roots left you may need to anchor them into the media with something like a upside down "U" or wire? You will want to use a media that doesn't dry out too quick initially - like sphag or coir mix or fine bark - superthrive or some like stimulant would be warranted. Cutting the spike off will definately help the plant. It should last quite awhile in a nice vase - I've had them last several weeks. Good luck - mike

[atcrosby]

I had a rescued Phal with two leaves and no roots other than a bump where one was starting to form. I put it in a pot and anchored it so that it was stable. Prior to putting the phal in the new medium, I soaked it in DynaGro KLN mixture for about 10 minutes. Two months later, I am happy to report a very healthy root system plus a new leaf.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Cut the spike off completely, and use a sterile tool. If you are going to pot it up, you don't need to remove all the dead roots, but pulling off most of the loose tissue would probably be good. After potting up and watering well, you might want to drape some seran wrap or a baggy loosly over the plant to raise the local humidity until it has some roots.