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Hello, I have this orchid that I got a year ago. It’s been repotted… | The Orchid Oasis | Comunidad de Planta

Faith

Hello, I have this orchid that I got a year ago. It’s been repotted twice, but the first time it was repotted(a couple months after I got it) it was in sphagnum moss which caused a lot of root rot and issues with too much water such as yellowing leaves. So, I repotted it a couple weeks ago. When I repotted it most recently, basically all of the roots were rotted due to the excess water in the sphagnum moss it was sitting in. When I repotted, I didn’t cut any of them off- I only pulled off the rot and left the wires of the roots behind. So now all of the roots are just wires and it is now in orchid potting mix with rocks for drainage at the bottom. I accidentally left it outdoors in direct sunlight for a couple days, and now my leaves are turning brownish? Is this because of dehydration? It also may have rained recently while the plant was outside so I’m not sure if it was also getting water then. I just now watered it. If anyone has advice please let me know!

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10 comentarios

  1. Ana

    This happened to my orchid as well! It had root rot and I repotted. Eventually all the remaining leaves turned leathery, limp, and brownish all over like yours are. This is because the plant is dealing with the shock of losing all its roots. It has been a few months, it has put out a bunch of new leaves and is doing well! I cut off the old, leathery leaves a few weeks ago when it became clear they were not coming back. I would just leave them for now and continue to make sure it’s not too wet. I’ve been using the chopstick trick and it’s been working great!

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    • Ana

      Not sure what to do about the wirey roots, but I made sure to put mine in a small container so that it doesn’t stay wet too long!

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    • Faith

      Okay, so it’s just dealing with shock? I don’t want to water it too much like I was before i repotted but I want to make sure it gets enough water. I just wanted to check to make sure this wasn’t a sign of either of those situations.

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    • Ana

      Yup! Just shock it looks like! I’ve also found that orchids like to completely dry out! I leave a little chopstick or wooden stick in the pot all the time. When I’m tempted to water, I pull out the chopstick and feel the end. If it feels wet or damp AT ALL, then it is not time to water yet! Only water when it’s completely dry.

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  2. Holly

    Looks like Ana gave you some great tips. I’m sure it’s fine, but the “outside” bit immediately caught my eye because I’m far enough north that this would be very detrimental to my plants at the moment 😅 Are you certain that the outdoor climate is ok? Just thought I’d mention in case it helps!

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    • Faith

      I live in Texas and it’s about 70°F for most of the day so I think it should have been fine? I have it inside now though. I just hope it wasn’t getting sunburned or anything like that

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  3. KatLady

    I would cut off all the wirey roots. I switched my orchids to distilled water and no moss or potting soil. I just have a few of the feet in a bit of water and I am getting tons of new leaf growth.

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    • Faith

      Thanks for the advice! I’m afraid of disturbing it further by cutting more roots off, though 😅

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  4. Jen

    Lots to unpack here- The ‘wire’ part of the root can’t really survive long without the velamen, or the fleshy part of the roots that rotted for you. You can certainly cut those off next time. I wouldn’t unpot again right now though, as it looks like you have some new roots growing. Best to not disturb them. The chopstick tip above is a good one when you don’t have roots to gauge moisture. Generally I would say watch the roots. When they’re green, they are wet. Do not water again until they are completely silvery and the media has dried. I *think* I see tiny drainage holes in your pot, but I can’t really tell. You should consider making those holes bigger or creating full slits in the sides of the pot. Phalaenopsis roots need air just as much as they need water. Your plant being outside is not as dangerous as it being in full sun. The leaves can definitely burn on an orchid in full sun, whether they are in Texas or Minnesota- orchids prefer bright shade or indirect sun. The yellowing of the leaves is a little concerning because it’s on the stem. Keep an eye on it- if it travels up or down the stem, chances are you have an infection potentially progressing from the root rot, or even a bad leaf burn. If a lower leaf or two yellows away and falls, it may just be shock.

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    • Jen

      Just took another look at the photos- when you say browning… do you mean the purplish tinge to the leaves? That’s anthocyanin. It comes out when some orchids reach their maximum sun limits. Again- I’d avoid direct full sun.

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