repotting a troubled phal

[SShide77]

Hi all,

When repotting a troubled phal (suspicious of root rot, but I have yet to depot it) are there special steps to take? Also, I am going to be using spaghnum, does it need a soak before using??

Thanks,
Sarah

[patlee]

Yup, soak that moss well and then wring it out before repotting. The only other step I would recommend is to be sure to cut off all the dead roots or those that are not firm or are black (anything that feels mushy or like rotten fruit has got to go.) From a strictly cosmetic standpoint, I also get rid of "hollow roots"--they are no longer going to feed your plant.

If your orchid has trouble with roots, try SuperThrive to promote new root growth. And if the weather is not going below 50 at night, putting you phal outside usually makes them grow like crazy. (But watch out for sunburn--I speak from experience!) Good growing

[patticake]

I would avoid using just sphagnum. It tends to hold too much water for me, and you might get root rot. I like a bark mix such as Schultz's. I add a little chopped sphag to the mix for plants such as Phals, that need a LITTLE more moisture than some. Good luck! Let us know how you make out- Oh yes, I soak my mixture for a few hrs. in worm tea- or at least warm water. It helps the bark absorb the water in the future. Some make "bark stew" and boil it first to shorten the soaking time. Whatever works for you. If you have high humidity- you can probably skip the sphag- If you water..-not too often-, maybe you should throw some in!

[mehitabel]

I use sphag for reviving (and growing) phals. Fluff it up, and don't pack it in real tight. Use the smallest pot that will hold the roots.

I also would recommond investing in some Phsyan 20. Make up a dilute solution in a spritz bottle and spritz the whole plant and root area thoroughly when repotting. Physan is a contact product, works only for a few days, but it does stop rot from progressing.

See this discussion of using physan to stop rot:

Example of Stem rot or Crown rot in Phalaenopsis

[SShide77]

Where do i get physan 20?

[mehitabel]

Sshide, I'm not sure if it's available at the Big Box stores. I get mine from a local Worm's Way, don't know if there's a Worm's Way near you, but it is a small national chain selling supplies for indoor growers and wine makers.

You can also get Physan 20 from charley's greenhouse, and various orchid vendors like Oak Hill. You have to pay shipping then, tho.