Root Rot Phal. emergency repot

[boxerfan]

I have this sweet little "popcorn ball" Phal that suddenly became sickly. I'm using the skewer method, so overwatering isn't the problem. I pulled the plastic pot out of the clay pot it sits in and sure enough, we have root rot. I bought this plant potted in sphagnum and am wondering if it was too tightly packed could that have precipitated the root rot. I have cut the spike down to the base and am soaking a Phal mix for repotting. Any other suggestions on how to rehab this plant? Thanks, Lisa

[matucana]

Hi Lisa,

yes, leaving plants for too long in the same sphagnum easily leads to root rod. For such a case, I have a special use for plastic bottles: You cut the upper half away and fill the lower half with wet seramis. Then you place a layer of sphagnum on the seramis. Cut away the rotted roots, put coal powder or cinnamon on the cut areas. Finally, put the Phal on the sphagnum and the set the upper half of the bottle on the lower half.

[justloveorchids]

I would suggest lack of air to the roots is the problem if the plastic pot is tight in a clay one


i admit i dont like spagnum moss although 2 of mine are in it and doing ok

[mayres]

Your story is why EVERY phal I purchase from now on gets an immediatel root inspection. It may have happened BEFORE you purchased it. Good luck on recovery - fortunately phals respond well to good TLC. mike

[PhalPal]

boxerfan - here is another thread that may help you a lot:
My first fatality

[Sharyn]

Hellmuth: Nice idea with the pop bottle. I'll keep this for reference the next time I need to put one into recovery. Sounds like a mini-greenhouse effect for the plant and a lot easier than finding very large clear plastic bags. I also like the idea of the hydro-rock to support the sick plant. Good tip.

Mike: I've also learned the hard way. I also inspect every single Phal that I buy. They look so pretty - but, can be already suffering rot. By the time I find out, it's usually too late. Easier to resolve the problem right away than have to resort to all the "recovery" methods. Also, a good tip.

[NancyG]

I just repotted a phal into semi hydroponic material I purchase from First Rays. I just thought it had gotten too big and roots were hanging all over the place. It had just finished blooming for 3 months and had about 15 blooms on it. A really beautiful plant. After I got it out of the pot I found that the entire center of the root ball was rotting. I used the skewer method so I thought I was safe. Apparently not!

This is my first try at s/h method. I'll keep you posted on it's progress. I took some pictures that I'll share as soon as I get them downloaded.

Good luck,
NancyG