have a conundrum with abused phal

[esungirl]

Hmmm...I think that as long as the new growths are doing well, don't mess with the repotting until you see new strong roots growing off of the new gowths. You can't separate until there's a support system undeneath them. And they look happy to me so until they look unhappy...keep doing what you're doing, with a little rooting hormone, as incentive.

[Rick Barry]

I don't want to get into an extended debate, but I think a few additional comments are in order.

This isn't a slipper.

All respect to Heather, but there seems to be a prevailing assumption that one's presence on online forums qualifies them as experts. One's expertise isn't established based on the quantity of their posts, but on the quality of their posts.

Honestly, I can't imagine any experienced grower arguing against repotting, considering the condition of the plant as well as the appearance of the bark itself. It's not as if the visible roots are healthy. There's no reason to think the hidden roots are in any better shape. What better time to repot than the start of spring? It's a little late to start worrying about stressing the plant, it's time to consider how to save it.

Regards,
Rick

[esungirl]

Whoa dude..
I don't even see Heather in this post, and no where do I see anyone mentioning that this is a slipper. What thread did you think you were posting to?

[Rick Barry]

Originally Posted by justatypn

I agree with you Rick other than the repotting. The only part of this plant that looks like it has had trauma is the adult and at this time the new growth will nourish of the adult plant. The stress that this phal has gone through to me, does not warrant repotting. If the plant did not have any new growth or looking weak than I would definitely get it out of the pot and inspect. Just my 2 cents and not in total disagreeance but than again I am not totally well versed with 2+ years under my belt. I would definitely like to know what would be appropriate for these guys. Heather would be the slipper go to person ...Oh Heather

To paraphrase Guido Braem: Read the comments. Full stop.

Rick

[Lin]

If it were mine, I would repot. It would give you a chance to see what is going on with the roots, get rid of all the dead ones and replace the media.

I would treat it as if the roots were also an issue. What works for me is to repot in spag, because it's easy to kind of poke around and check out the roots for those nice growing tips. If you leave a loose top layer, you can lift and peak to keep checking. I'd also lower the light and up the humidity. The plant has obviously been stressed, but with the new growth on the top, the roots should be growing and should establish in the new media quickly.

We need an icon for 2 cents

[Oscarman]

The friendly exchange of information is what the OB is about. 1500+ members = 1500+ opinions. Respect that.

Rick mentions a very good point - the importance of root condition is #1. All else should take a back seat to it.
If you don't know what is going on in the pot - you do need to find out. Does it warrant a complete repot....maybe.

[smartie2000]

It doesn't hurt to unpot it. I unpot plants all the time even though they look fine, I have to check out the roots.