Strange things my phalaenopis does

[Tickolas]

Hey all, just wanted to check if my phal's behaving normally. It's been growing some weird stuff lately.

First, there's a root going straight up with no support, not sure how it does it. Second, there's a leaf that doesn't seem to want to unfold itself. Been like that for months now. Finally, there's a flower spike that's been green for about a year now, but hasn't made any effort to grow a side spike, while the other one's grown up and is now getting a side spike.

So, anything abnormal here? =)

[Paul Mc]

The root is normal as they seek out new places to cling to and absorb nutrients. It's a natural part of their genetic make up.

Not sure about the leaf, as I've only had one recently so that. It finally opened up but looks a bit wrinkled. I'd like to hear what others think about this.

Is the flower spike an old one and the one that is blooming a new one? Some rebloom off of the old spikes and other don't. If its an old spike admit decided to rebloom then the flowers may not be as large (albeit slightly smaller) than the previous ones. Most of mine turn brown and die, but once in a while I do have to cut healthy green stalks that are old back to the base to try and get them to bloom for the next season.

[silken]

When was this one repotted last? I think that if the leaf won't open it could possibly be a humidity issue or not enough water being taken up by the plant. Sometimes if the media is poor, the roots in the pot could be rotting and then new roots seek the outside of the pot as they don't like what's in the pot. Aerial roots are normal, but it can be a sign of bad pot conditions too. The green spike might not ever put out a side spike as I have seen some do that but it too could be stalled due to lack of nutrients.

I would check the roots and go from there unless you have recently done that. If the roots in the pot are bad, it could be the reason for the plant's little quirks.

[jrodpad]

Agreed. Roots will do that. It's not a problem.

With respect to the leaves, this happens more with my species phals than with my hybrids. I usually let the leaf get to full size and if still closed (folded), I use the pointy end of a bamboo skewer to gently gently pry it open. I then give it less light than it usually gets for a week or two so that the inside parts of the leaf don't burn. You probably don't needs to lower the light, but I feel like it can't hurt. I suspect that the leaves stay folded due to low humidity... But it's just a suspicion, I don't have any data to back that up.

Good luck!

-J

[NYCorchidman]

Yep, the root is fine. They can grow in all strange possible directions.

I've never had phals leaves doing what yours is doing, but this happens to my oncidiums and its related plants when they do not get enough water.

I too use something sharp to help open up.

My phals open nearly flat even when they are very small.

With regard to the ever green spike, has it produced any flowers?
If it isn't doing anything for that long a period, I would personally cut it off and encouarge a new one to grow hoping that new one will be different.

By the way, your plant looks slightly dehydrated. Roots should be plump and fat, and the same goes for the leaves.
Unless your living space gets too cool, you can give them more water especially while they are developing leaves or flowers.