Question
my orchid roots
I got my orchid for my birthday on Jan. 5. She was 2 feet with 5 blooms and one on the way. When I brought her home the final bloom did bloom a little but than the other five blooms fell off and so did the little one. I assumed the life cycle was over and cut her back above the second node at the base, about 2 inches. Well I'm sorry to say that I may have overwatered her and only realized it when the underleaves,(there are 5 now) 2 yellowed and fell off. The remaining leaves are 6 to 7 inches and green and beautiful. I took the medium out cut off the dead and mushy, brushed cinnamon, put in clear glass bowel with papertowel on bottom with stones on top of it. I rechecked and had to cut off more black and mushy. I don't think I'm getting enough air circulation so I will have to get bark medium tomorrow. My question is: am i too late? is it just a matter of time before she dies? There are 2 or 3 very green and thick roots, but the others seem to be dieing from the inside out, broken in places with black and somewhat brown color. The heart of the plant is completely yellow and dry. I feel like I'm over my head and slightly embarrassed to take it to a local orchid place as he may look at me in disgust. What should I do?
AnswerRachel, the orchid in question appears to be a phalaenopsis. Phalaenopsis orchids are among the easiest to repot and you can do this yourself. Buy a hobby bag of orchid potting mix. This can be obtained from any garden center that sells orchids (eg Home Depot and Lowes sell orchid potting mix under the brands Miracle Grow and Schultz), The potting mix should contain some fir bark. Soak a portion of the potting mix while you attend to the unpotted plant. Rinse the roots off thoroughly and remove any mushy (dead) roots from the unpotted plant before repotting. Use a plastic pot with lots of holes in the bottom for repotting. Place the remaining healthy roots in the pot rotating the pot while you lower the roots into the pot-- this helps to minimize root damage during repotting. Place the pot in an area where excess water from the soaked fresh orchid potting mix can drain and begin adding fresh orchid potting mix to the pot. Tap the pot from time to time to help the potting mix settle about the roots. The lower leaves should be even with the top of the potting mix. If the repotted plant is top heavy, insert one or two bamboo stakes into the pot and tie the plant to the stake(s) to help support it. Phals do best in an east facing window if you have one. Repotting should occur after each bloom period is over so it will pay for you to learn this procedure for the future as well.
