phal roots

[VickiC]

Hi,
I bought a clearance phal earlier this morn. and I was in the process of cleaning the roots, but before I finished, I wanted to ask you what you thought about them. As you can see ,the root system is barely holding on to the "stem" (not sure of the correct word) in two places by "just threads" and those two "threads" look to be in the process of completely rotting off. Nourishment seems to passing through them, though.....none of the remaining roots are mushy and the plant looks fair. My question is: Can I save the good part of the root system by leaving the two roots alone that are attached to the stem or should I trim them entirely off of the stem in order to remove the decay? If I trim them completely off, then there will be no roots left on the plant at all, as you can also obviously see. What do you advise that I do? Whatever you tell me, should I treat the root system in Physan 20 or what do you suggest?

One other thing: what about the keiki that had started....should I remove it even though it only has one little root and that root doesn't seem as healthy as I wish it was?

I would appreciate your advice.

Thank you in advance,
Vicki

[Ethan]

Vicki - I don't have an answer for you, but I am interested to see what other people have to say.

I've always wondered what to do with the roots when the appear healthy, but they are only hanging on by a thread. I usually cut them off, but I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do.

As for the kei-kei, it doesn't seem like the roots are long enough to me...it appears to be getting most of it's nourishment from the parent plant, still. However, I would assume that means it's also sapping energy from the parent plant??

[quiltergal]

If it were mine I would leave the roots on. They still look viable which to me is better than no roots at all. I would cut off the spike and try potting up the Keiki. The parent plant probably sent out the Keiki because it was distressed. You want it to try and focus it's energy into growing new roots.

[jkofferdahl]

I think the roots are likely healthy. A Phal root has both an inner root and also the outer, velanin-covered part. Because the long roots look healthy I presume that the inner root is OK. Were this my plant I would clip the base beneath where the lowest root comes from, and sprinkle the cut liberally with cinnamon; perhaps instead of that I would just thoroughly soak the plant's base in a mild fungicidal solution after clipping it.

I've got to disagree with Terri about the keiki. It has one root and a second starting. Within a week or two the keiki should have enough healthy root that it will survive. Allow it to develop these roots, then clip it off.

[VickiC]

Hi Ethan,
I'm looking forward to hearing what others advise, as well.

Thanks for your help concerning the keiki.....I think Mom and Baby need all the help they can get.

Vicki

Originally Posted by Ethan

Vicki - I don't have an answer for you, but I am interested to see what other people have to say.

I've always wondered what to do with the roots when the appear healthy, but they are only hanging on by a thread. I usually cut them off, but I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do.

As for the kei-kei, it doesn't seem like the roots are long enough to me...it appears to be getting most of it's nourishment from the parent plant, still. However, I would assume that means it's also sapping energy from the parent plant??

[Ethan]

Makes sense, guys - I didn't know the inner root could survive without the outer velamen. I also agree that you should cut off the bottom of the stem up to the roots. It's not doing the plant any good....just rotting.

[K.C.]

I have been where you are a number of times I would put the parent plant in some fresh sphagnum moss with the roots on and mist often with K-L-M-. If this works and it most often does for me it takes 2 or 3 years to bloom so you need to think about was it that nice a plant to end up on clearance. If you cut that keiki off leave the stem as long as you can even out the bottom of the pot you put it in as the will give it more nutrition and hold it in place. It could just bloom before the stressed out parent . Good luck hope I could be of some help! K.C.

[VickiC]

Hi Terri,
Thank you so much for your advice! I really hated the thought of losing all those roots, but I had decided that if I was advised to trim them away, then I would just close my eyes and cut them off. No doubt you are correct in that Mom sent out a baby as a cry for help. Sad but true.
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by quiltergal

If it were mine I would leave the roots on. They still look viable which to me is better than no roots at all. I would cut off the spike and try potting up the Keiki. The parent plant probably sent out the Keiki because it was distressed. You want it to try and focus it's energy into growing new roots.

[VickiC]

Hi,
Thank you for your advice. You also answered something else that I have wondered about: whether the root is ok even if the covering is rotted.

As for treating the plant base after trimming, all I have is Physan 20, cinnamon and hydrogen peroxide. Which of these would you use? How long should the soak be? Also, would you treat the roots with a fungicide as well? I'm sorry for all the questions.....I hope you don't mind.

Thanks for your advise concerning the keiki, too.

Vicki

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I think the roots are likely healthy. A Phal root has both an inner root and also the outer, velanin-covered part. Because the long roots look healthy I presume that the inner root is OK. Were this my plant I would clip the base beneath where the lowest root comes from, and sprinkle the cut liberally with cinnamon; perhaps instead of that I would just thoroughly soak the plant's base in a mild fungicidal solution after clipping it.

I've got to disagree with Terri about the keiki. It has one root and a second starting. Within a week or two the keiki should have enough healthy root that it will survive. Allow it to develop these roots, then clip it off.

[BikerDoc5968]

Vicki, for what it's worth The roots on the main plant look ?ok? I say this because their attachment to the main stem looks weak....so take care in repotting. I like a short soak in RD-20 or Physan 20 for 5 to 10 minutes, then treat with SuperThrive or KLN or Hormex and I'd use bark/CHC/Charcoal and just keep things barely moist. I think this combo gives more control over the moisture....the sphag/bag thing also works for some. The root on the keiki is kinda small so you can take a chance and remove it but as long as the main plant is alive and roots hold up, the keiki will live and when you get longer/more roots it can be removed and potted up on its own.... just my