Think my Phal is dying . . .

[alsorchids]

You all are right about the pot size. I should of recognized that. AL

[JerseyGirlBecky]

I agree it does not look that bad. the split is not where the spike will come out of. It usually comes between the leaves. I would get it out of the medium and repot right away in bark. Make sure you soak the bark first. See if it has any good roots. I don't see any air roots at all. Are they what is dry? And when they say soak they mean to put the pot in something bigger with room temp water and let it sit. Do not get the leaves wet if you can help it and don't pot too deep.

[Becca]

Also by others saying to dunk the pot, they mean just the pot and not the entire plant. It is probably best to avoid getting water in the crown and in between the leaves on phals.

[Paul Mc]

Correct, you do not want to get water in the folds of the leaves or in the crack of the base. Phal's grow on the sides and limbs of trees in nature, and they tend to grow in a way that allows water to either run out of those crevices or not get in them at all. They are very prone to rot when water stays in those crevices.

I agree that from what we can tell in the pic it looks relatively happy - great color and two new leaves at the tip.

[Hiders25]

It is a clay pot and when I repotted I clipped the old roots & they are only about halfway down the heighth of the pot. I'm going to do the "dunk" this weekend.
Thanks again!!

[Val]

Originally Posted by Hiders25

I think I'm definitely going to repot in bark (is it safe to do it now when it's really not doing anything?).

I'm not even sure you should consider repotting in bark. Most of the problems with Phals potted in sphagnum are caused by overwatering which leads to root rot (insufficient breathing). Since you've managed to avoid root rot, you have a very "light hand" with watering, and sphagnum is likely to work for you. The best potting medium is the one that works for you.

Anyway, you should rehydrate the plant before any repotting, since after repotting you would need to keep the plant dry for two weeks, to give it time to settle and heal any root wounds.

Originally Posted by Hiders25

And Val when you say dunk do you really mean dunk, as in the whole pot in the water, or just the base to soak up the water?

The whole pot in the water (at least 70-80%, since it would tend to float), for 30 minutes. But make sure it's fully drained afterwards. Repeat 2-3 times, when roots are almost dry (could be after one week, or after 3-4 days, just watch the roots).

And since the sphagnum will retain much more water than bark, you will need a good ventilation. Place a fan at a 6-10 feet distance and have it blow a light breeze for 50% of the time, night and day.

I stay away from moss, but whenever I saw Phals thriving in sphagnum, they were very well ventilated.

[silken]

Some of mine thrive in moss but definitely are well ventilated and are always re-potted from when they came from the store. I don't think they will thrive long for most people the way they come potted in moss from the store.