Thursday, February 28, 2013

Troubling root rot on Dtps. Yu Pin Burgundy

Dtps. Yu Pin Burgundy

     My Dtps. Yu Pin Burgundy is a big healthy phalaenopsis hybrid, with two nicely growing spikes, and an extensive root system.   That is why I was particularly troubled to spot a rotting root with what looks like a fungal growth through the clear plastic pot.  Normally, I'd take that as a sign to immediately repot, and cut off the affected root.  But I would hate to jeopardize the blooms.

A diseased root

     The picture above shows the affected root.  The rest of the pot is dried out, so what looks like moisture is all coming from the root rotting.

     I soaked the orchid in physan-treated water today.  But I am really questioning whether that is sufficient to keep this infection from progressing.

     Thoughts?


6 comments:

  1. Oh! this is so sad to see that diseased root. I think you have taken the right step. I want to tell you that improved soil is the first step to keeping root rot out of your garden...Best of luck!

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  2. That stuff looks like mold rather than fungus to me. I think it indicates low air circulation in that area. I don't know if mold is harmful, but if it was me, I would change the media and clean the pot with dilluted bleach solution. Just my 2 cents.

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  3. A planta está muito linda.
    Mas não tenho sorte com Phalaenopsis.
    Uma pena não poder ajudar.
    abraços

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  4. I agree with orchideye - looks like mold.

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  5. Have you ever tried H2O2? It works nicely for me.

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    Replies
    1. Can you elaborate? I think the rot is getting worse, and plan to cut off the bad roots soon and repot. Would you recommend H2O2 over fungicide treatment?

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