Phal spiking new secondary shoots while having few roots?

[fukuchan5459]

Hi all. Here's an update on my phal that I had for about 5 months and have some dilemma that has not been solved/resolved. I have 2 healthy looking secondary spikes coming out of my primary spike. I noticed that about 50-60% of my roots were damaged/black, so I trimmed the old/decomposed roots to encourage the 4 new roots to grow.
The bottom 2 leaves are dehydrated, but the top 2 leaves are still holding up/in OK shape.

I am still very concerned that if I put the plant in a bark or moss medium, the roots may get damaged in one way or another. The plant can't support itself, so i staked a chopstick for support for now.

QUESTION: When should I repot this orchid with bark medium? I don't want to take it off 'life support' prematurely and get it back into the 'normal' condition.

[Val]

I would repot it ASAP. The new roots will adapt to the medium they will grow into - therefore I would rather have them grow into bark already.

I would also cut off the spike, in order to "force" the plant focus on growing roots.

Later edit: I would also keep this plant in relatively lower light and higher temp + higher humidity than "normal", which is likely to stimulate it grow roots.

[SlipperGirl]

I agree with val.

[Orchids4ever]

Me too

[fukuchan5459]

OK my fellow orchid advisors, I went ahead and repotted the phal with bark medium. It is secure and I think I didn't crack/damage any roots in the process. I will post an update on this orchid on this thread in 2 weeks or so.

Thank you all for your advise. I just really hope that the leaves do got get more dehydrated than it is now.

[silken]

You could try adding some kelp (seaweed) in the water which would help stimulate root growth.

[bballr4567]

Since I added Kelpmax (I got it under the old name) the root growth I see is outrageous. On my Sogo Gotris I have 4, yes, 4 new roots growing out the meristem. That doesnt count the numerous off shoots I have from older roots either.


I'd cut the spike and them give this puppy some humidity and hope it responds. It looks like it has enough roots to recover fully.

[silken]

Originally Posted by bballr4567

Since I added Kelpmax (I got it under the old name) the root growth I see is outrageous. On my Sogo Gotris I have 4, yes, 4 new roots growing out the meristem. That doesnt count the numerous off shoots I have from older roots either.


I'd cut the spike and them give this puppy some humidity and hope it responds. It looks like it has enough roots to recover fully.

I swear by that kelp. I wish my Miltoniopsis would respond as well. for some reason they don't root like crazy like the Phals and Catts do with it. I guess the big fleshy roots respond better.

[fukuchan5459]

KELP? Really.? Where can I find them?

[silken]

Hydroponics places usually seem to have either a liquid or dried form. First Rays has some.