Dehyrdation without root rot

[pureEVA]

I have a phal plant that is severely dehydrated. When this first started happening I repotted the plant to check for root rot symptoms (it was time to repot anyway). It only had one or two bits that seemed a bit iffy so I promptly snipped those off. After that some of the older leaves shriveled (REALLY shriveled) and fell off. I thought the plant was just trying to balance itself out. I began to monitor the pot more closely using the bamboo skewer test and adjusting watering accordingly. But my plant is STILL very dehydrated.

It's growing a new leaf, but even the leaf that is the next youngest is starting to wrinkle. I'm getting very worried I'll lose the whole plant! Does anyone know what else could be causing this?

[mayres]

My impression on most shriveled roots is that they are often air roots that have formed in a greenhouse humid environment and then since have shriveled for lack of moisture in a significantly different place. If you have the same problem with roots in the media you may have to wait for new roots to form at the base of the plant - which should happen if you have enough humidity now. A root stimulant (like Superthrive) may help revive any roots that are questionable as to whether they are going to survive or not. What kind of media do you have your plant in?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Are you watering VERY thoroughly when you do? If it is an adjustment problem, you could use a large clear plastic bag loosely over the plant for a while until the roots are doing the job again. You want to raise the humidity so that the plant can take in water faster than it looses it thru the leaves, but you do want a wet dry cycle, hense, leave the bag open at the bottom with some air circulation. Cynthia

[pureEVA]

mayres - This plant is potted in medium grade fir bark. I think you may be onto something with the roots. It has plenty of aerial roots but not as many base roots. I have it in a humidity tray, but that doesn't seem to help much either.

Cynthia - I am watering very thoroughly each time. I will try the plastic bag and see if that helps at all.

Thank you both for your responses