Phalaenopsis roots puncturing leaves

[MateoinLosAngeles]

I have this Phal with 6 mature leaves and one growing right now. Counting from the bottom the joints of the 3rd and 4th leaf are very very crowded, 8 new roots and 1 flower spike! The roots are slowly puncturing the leaves, which look like they're about to explode and I'm surprised they haven't fallen off yet. What is more surprising I don't know where this flower spike is going to end up, but right now it's completely squeezed by two thick roots.

What I'm surprised is that this isn't happening on the bottom two leaves but in the middle two. If they fall off the Phal will end up with two big bottom leaves and two big top ones plus the new growth, separated by a stem full of aerial roots and perhaps a flower spike.

Anyone can chime in? Did I overdo it with fertilizer, Kelpak, heat, or light?!

[Roberta]

Photo?

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Here's a diagram:




And a general view of the plant:



A (failed) attempt to focus on the squeeze:

[Roberta]

I don't think that there is any problem. It looks like a very vigorous, happy plant. Just let it do its thing.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I don't think that there is any problem. It looks like a very vigorous, happy plant. Just let it do its thing.

Seeing this orchid ripping itself apart is quite the visual definition of "growing pains"

[estación seca]

Look up how cactus genus Echinocereus flowers.

[jldriessnack]

Totally common. My phals have done that for years. It is no big deal, they do it naturally.