Trimming dead roots

[sarahplo]

I am repotting this double spike phal since the potting medium was breaking down. From what I have heard before it is best to trim dead roots as they are doing nothing for the plant. I just want to make sure I'm not over trimming because I still want the plant to be able to be anchored in the mix.

Although it has a lot of beautiful, healthy new roots growing, there is significant root damage. I'm not sure if this plant will survive if this is root rot, but that's ok I'm too attached to not do my best.

In the first pic there is a good example of how many healthy roots I have right now. I had a new leaf grow a month ago and it is looking beautiful, so obviously it is getting enough nourishment from somewhere.

In the second/third pic you can see what I'm worried about. Are the short roots the pseudobulb? Is that the heart of the plant and is it a tragedy that those are not healthy?

In the last pic you can see this weird root. It is kinda dirty (sorry my camera is cheap!) but it is yellow and weak looking at the top and then bright green at the end like my brand new healthy plant's roots.

Please let me know what you think. **Disclaimer: Although I did over water it for a while it's not completely my fault! And I love it and take good care of it now, I promise.**

[patticake]

I think it's going to be o.k.- Phals don't have pseudobulbs, which is why they need a little more watering than those that do. here's a useful link...
AOS | Phalaenopsis
Anything brown and mushy, you can trim off...

[mayres]

Hi Sarahplo - I will add to what Patti has already said - also remove any roots that are black, any that are dried thin and hard - only the plump firm ones are going to grow and nourish your plant. With a root compromised plant like you have - if you still have spikes on it - I would remove those to the base of the plant as well. It needs to concentrate its energy on growing a new healthy root system. Good luck!

[amersault]

hi, Sarah -

i second what Patti and Mike have said. you still have a root system that can support your plant so i'm not too terribly worried.

as a rule for Phals, trim any roots that are brown, or black, or dried. this will encourage the plant to divert energy to promote new root growth. trim as close to the base as possible and leave no stragglers if the root is rotted.

your images show that the plant still has a healthy set of roots (the white roots are a good sign). if you can pot this up in bark and monitor water/lighting, your Phal should have a sporting chance to get healthy again

[11Orchid126]

Don't worry about the color of the roots. Some mediums can turn good roots brown or dark. Worry about the texture of the roots. Dry or mushy means bad roots. Plump and firm means good roots.

[sarahplo]

I trimmed back dead roots and now my bottom leaf is yellowing and getting flimsy. Also the newest leaf is pretty flimsy...do you think it will bounce back?

[dr_frnkblck]

Is the newest leaf still growing? I have a Phal that I have to stake up the newest leaf for the first month until it stands up on it's own. They grow nice and straight after a while. It's not uncommon for a Phal to drop the oldest leaf when growing a new one. For example, I have one that will not grow more than 4 leaves. If I see a new leaf growing, I know that it's time to say goodbye to the old leaf.

I would keep an eye on it just to be sure, though...

[sarahplo]

Yep, my new leaf is still doing ok. I guess it makes sense that it would want/need to drop a leaf since I just repotted and trimmed all those roots.
Thanks for the reassurance Dr. frnkblk