STRANGE: rootless phal starts growing a leaf

[BigRed]

I cut all of this phals roots off when I realized that she was suffering from complete root rot. I didn't think it would go well, but I wanted to see how long I could keep her alive.

I figured that since the leaves can still photosynthesize, all I have to do is give the plant moisture. I find that experimenting with dying plants can very educational. So, I stuck my phal in a clear plastic orchid pot with wet sphagum moss, and I put that into a half big gulp cup which I filled with rocks and water. I keep it on my soulth facing deck, which is covered, so the plant gets bright indirect sunlight.

Anyhow, I was checking on it today as I do about once a week, and I noticed something freaky. It's growing a leaf. No roots, but a little leaf from the center. Is this possible or am I hallucinating. Can she be saved? Is there a product I can rub on her that might make it grow roots? I've tried superthrive, no roots but maybe it helped with the leaf? Any input would be greatly appreciated. This orchid is tough!

[addictedcountryman]

yesm. we call is sphag and bag. click here-->Sphag-n-Bag
i don't want to say it's common, but it is, that people lose their roots to root rot on phals and have to revert to this type of technique.
if you follow the directions in the link, you will use K-L-N which is a rooting hormone and will promote root growth. Something different is that the moss would not be touching the roots or lack there of because that would be defeating the purpose by keeping the roots too moist, which is why someone would be in this situation in the first place. Good luck and keep us posted.

[BigRed]

I tried the sphag and bag once with a phal, and I think it was a bake and bag because the plant fell to pieces quite quickly. That was traumatic because It was my feonce's mothers favorite orchid and I was baby sitting it. So I was hoping to not go that route this time. Do you think if I use kln with my current regiment I may see results? I don't keep the moss wet consistantly, I try to have the moisture from the rocks below the plant, keep the moss damp. Also, my local garden shop doesn't have any root growth hormones besides superthrive. Do you reccomend ordering online?

[addictedcountryman]

have you tried other shops? i found out my local bonsai store sells it. i actually bought mine from firstrays.com. I think everyone has their own variation of the sphag and bag- I place my favorite phal in a vase that is half full of water and the moisture builds up but it doesnt cause rot. yes, with sphag and bag you have to be very careful about the heat. I also place my phrag in a another pot that has water, but has two drain holes above the water so that air circulates. also, growing roots takes a while. i know mine took almost 3 months. your sphagnum looks a little too moist. Is there anyway you can prop the phal above it, like get a larger vase or jar, place the moss on the bottom and prop the phal above it but the root area still in the jar? i would find a way to increase the humidity without letting the root area touch the moss. i think you will be okay. just increase humidity and place in diffused light.

[BigRed]

Thanks for the advice. I think the local hydroponic growing shop would have rooting hormone. I'm going to go check it out. Also, I think I'm going to try and rig up something else for my phal. I don't want it to rot! Also, I will try to be more patient on the root growing process.

[addictedcountryman]

Lol I understand the patience... in the mean time, add to your collection muah ha ha ha *cough* sorry, that's what I do... I prey on plants at Lowes and wait til they go on the discount rack.

[irrka]

I would also add that you want to place it in a more shady spot than all your other plants. You want the plant to concentrate on making roots, not more leaves , so just enough light for photosynthesis, no more.