New roots drying out

[Ernesto]

I’ve noticed that the established roots of my paphs have no problem growing. Many of them have been popping off with new root tips. However, the new roots at the base of the plant always seem to abort themselves. So far I’ve tried wrapping a bit of sphagnum moss around the base of the plant and topping it with more bark, but it still seems to dry out after a couple of days. I have fans running constantly on a low setting directly at the my grow space, which I don’t want to change because since pointing fans directly, rather than indirectly, at my plants, leaf rot has disappeared. Still, the surface of the potting mix dries quickly.

Should I top dress with a mound of sphagnum moss? I admit that I’m a bit afraid of the stuff holding too much moisture and causing rot, but my conditions make for fast evaporation and I can’t think of another way to retain moisture near the new roots.

 

[Ray]

The likely problem is either desiccation of the root tips by the dry medium, or poisoning due to mineral precipitation at the top surface of the medium. Something moisture-retentive can help both.

Referring to some other discussions here, have you considered rock wool? it won't decompose.

 

[Ernesto]

The likely problem is either desiccation of the root tips by the dry medium, or poisoning due to mineral precipitation at the top surface of the medium. Something moisture-retentive can help both.

Referring to some other discussions here, have you considered rock wool? it won't decompose.

I’ve thought about it. There’s a guy local to me looking to let some go for cheap. I’ll hit him up on for his prices and go from there.

 

[Ozpaph]

Remember the cost of growing media is a fraction of the value of the plant and the time and effort to grow it.....

 

[Ernesto]

I’ve had this stonei seedling top dressed in sphagnum moss for two days now and noticed this browning near the crown last night—cause for concern, or simply cosmetic damage?

 

[Ozpaph]

probably ok. watch it carefully. id pull the moss away from the base, a bit.

 

[Ernesto]

probably ok. watch it carefully. id pull the moss away from the base, a bit.

Done!

 

[Ray]

That’s not the crown anyway. The “crown” it the center of the plant, where new leaves emerge.

 

[Russ1992]

I’ve had this stonei seedling top dressed in sphagnum moss for two days now and noticed this browning near the crown last night—cause for concern, or simply cosmetic damage?View attachment 21902

Unfortunately that looks like Rhizoctonia. Hopefully you were able to save the plant.

 

[TyroneGenade]

The likely problem is either desiccation of the root tips by the dry medium, or poisoning due to mineral precipitation at the top surface of the medium. Something moisture-retentive can help both.

Referring to some other discussions here, have you considered rock wool? it won't decompose.

Since someone was kind enough to resurrect this thread from the dead I may as well ask a question.

Ray, if the issue is mineral precipitation, how do you feel about removing the top layer of medium and replacing it? The plants don't like being repotted but the top layer could be removed without disturbing the roots and then replaced with fresh medium.

Thanks

 

[abax]

Tyrone, you might try a small two gallon Vicks vaporizer in the growing area. The Vicks is cheap and will keep
the air moist without piling on the sphag. The higher humidity will be better for you too.

 

[Ray]

Since someone was kind enough to resurrect this thread from the dead I may as well ask a question.

Ray, if the issue is mineral precipitation, how do you feel about removing the top layer of medium and replacing it? The plants don't like being repotted but the top layer could be removed without disturbing the roots and then replaced with fresh medium.

Thanks

While that might be a temporary fix, it is fighting the symptom and not the cause.

 

[Carmella.carey]

I would think its lack of moisture. Don't be afraid of sphagnum I grow standard cattleyas in the stuff and water thrice a day in the growing season. I have noticed that some green leaf paphs and phrags bruise very easily near the base of the fan.
-Patrick

 

[Happypaphy7]

Sooooo what happened to this stonei??

 

[Ernesto]

Sooooo what happened to this stonei??

It’s been growing slowly but surely! The newer growth leaves are wider and longer than the old ones. The discoloration seemed to coincide with too much moisture being retained next to the leaves, so per the suggestion of Ozpaph I pulled moss away from the plant and if I recall correctly doused the discolored leaves in Physan and applied dragons blood to the area. The browning is not present on later growths.

While I found that keeping moss near JUST where new roots form and topping it with a layer of fine bark helps to retain moisture where baby roots need it, I also found that I simply need to water the plant more often to keep that specific layer of substrate moist. This seedling lives in the tray that is easiest for me to reach on the shelf, and therefore is more likely to be watered more often compared to the rest of the Paphs

 

[Ozpaph]

stonei album!!!! Probably why its a bit pale................