Question
Hello,
My phalaenopsis plants all have pink/reddish root tips. They seem to be very healthy plants and they re-bloom regularly. Is this normal, or does this have anything to do with me over- fertilizing them? Thanks! Casey


Answer
Hello Casey,

I'm not sure it is due to over fertilizing, but it might.  It also might be the dye from the fertilizer you are using, if it is colored red.  

While I have never seen this on phalaenopsis roots, I have seen it on some other kinds of orchids.  Why it happens I'm not sure, but they all grew and bloomed fine.

One thing about over fertilizing orchids, in some cases it can retard blooming.  The plants grow like gang-busters but bloom infrequently.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.