Mini Phal?

[james mickelso]

There is no difference between aerial roots and roots that are buried in media. One and the same. The velamen on those that are buried are more open than those that are growing above the media. But they are the same. They don't tailor themselves one way or the other. You may see the short newer roots that have not matured yet and are shiny white as different than those older longer ones under the media. As roots elongate they become more mature and the velamen becomes more open and spongy and more able to quickly absorb water. Here are some examples of phal roots that have grown down into the media and then back out. Notice that they are young and aerial looking yet have grown through the media. The roots on the LC are also young and immature but look different once matured like the darker one right next to the younger. These young roots take much longer to change color (indicating moisture uptake) than the older more mature root right next to them.

[greysister23]

I broke down and bought a "mini" Phal at lowes this afternoon lol. I couldn't stop thinking about it. And I got an orange with purple/pink vein NoID for $3 because it was ALMOST out of bloom

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

There is no difference between aerial roots and roots that are buried in media. One and the same. The velamen on those that are buried are more open than those that are growing above the media. But they are the same. They don't tailor themselves one way or the other. You may see the short newer roots that have not matured yet and are shiny white as different than those older longer ones under the media. As roots elongate they become more mature and the velamen becomes more open and spongy and more able to quickly absorb water. Here are some examples of phal roots that have grown down into the media and then back out. Notice that they are young and aerial looking yet have grown through the media. The roots on the LC are also young and immature but look different once matured like the darker one right next to the younger. These young roots take much longer to change color (indicating moisture uptake) than the older more mature root right next to them.

Exactamundo! Nuthin but NET.

Esp, as I explained when yr conjured paradigm becomes orchids growing in nature!!!

We ought never loose touch with that evolved perfection re any aspect of our growing them in what, by definition, must be more artificial.

Unless, of course, we grow everything mounted. Who among us has the luxury, the time.... for that?

[lauraeli]

Isnt it true that an orchid's roots adjust to the growing medium, and then when you change the medium, you lose roots? I would assume that is how it is with aerial roots vs roots growing in the medium.

The trouble i had initially with my roots was that they were very shriveled and unhealthy, and only looked healthy after soaking. They shriveled very quickly afterwards.

This was the reason i ended up burying them. I was using bark, and the skewer method, and the roots rotted very quickly.

The rot did not stop until I removed the phal from the growing medium altogether.

I can now water my phal every other day, and it is happy.

When it starts to regrow roots, i think I will set it on top of some sort of growing medium, and let the roots grow into it by themselves. But Im not happy with the bark mix I have right now. It is too coarse.

I potted my dendro in it...but I went through and picked out smaller pieces to use.

So I will have to find something else for my phal.

---------- Post added at 11:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 PM ----------

On a side note- I stopped at Petco again today, and those orchids are still there. Still alive :-) I suppose they are underwatering them. Some of the lower leaves are looking a tad dehydrated. And the leaves are now dark green. It has been maybe 5 weeks since I first saw them there. Oddly, they are now putting out new roots and leaves. They really enjoy being neglected, don't they?

I stopped at the gardening center today, and they were having a big sale. 50 percent off most things. I asked about the mini orchids, and she said I'll give you one free with your purchase. Can't beat free :-)

[RandomGemini]

I love mini phals. I have far too many of them. LOL! I would love a free mini Phal with purchase.

[lauraeli]

I think it's the smaller pot that makes them easier to care for. By the time they reach full size, if they do, i will be accustomed to caring for the full-size ones :-)

The pot marker on this one says 'Black White Queen'. Where might I go to identify it?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Google.

Orchid roots do adjust to the different microclimate it has been accustomed to growing in, and that is exactly why you observed what you've observed. Aerial roots or roots in the pot, they are anatomically the same, but they have some slight physiological differences that help them cope with where they've been growing.

Miniature Phals tend to be the easier Phals to grow because of the Phal equestris or Phal pulcherrima in their heritage. Both of these species are very durable in cultivation as well as in the wild.

[lauraeli]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Google.

Orchid roots do adjust to the different microclimate it has been accustomed to growing in, and that is exactly why you observed what you've observed. Aerial roots or roots in the pot, they are anatomically the same, but they have some slight physiological differences that help them cope with where they've been growing.

Miniature Phals tend to be the easier Phals to grow because of the Phal equestris or Phal pulcherrima in their heritage. Both of these species are very durable in cultivation as well as in the wild.

I did google it, and only got one picture. I was hoping for a better suggestion.

I have heard the minis grow to be full size over time. But I guess I wont know the truth for years. This one has some black areas on it. I put some H2O2 on it but it didnt bubble so maybe it is nothing to worry about.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The only thing that remotely comes up in a Google search is Phalaenopsis (aka Doritaenopsis) Formosa Cranberry 'Black & White Queen'.

Dtps. Formosa Cranberry “Black & White Queen” | Orchid Cultivators

If this is a "mini" that gets full size, it's not a true mini.

True minis usually grow no larger than 3 - 4 inches across.

It definitely has Phal equestris and Phal pulcherrima in the heritage.

It also has genetic heritage from larger Phals. I don't think this is a true mini, I'm not sure.

I wouldn't worry about the dead petioles.

[lauraeli]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

The only thing that remotely comes up in a Google search is Phalaenopsis (aka Doritaenopsis) Formosa Cranberry 'Black & White Queen'.

Dtps. Formosa Cranberry “Black & White Queen” | Orchid Cultivators

If this is a "mini" that gets full size, it's not a true mini.

True minis usually grow no larger than 3 - 4 inches across.

It definitely has Phal equestris and Phal pulcherrima in the heritage.

It also has genetic heritage from larger Phals. I don't think this is a true mini, I'm not sure.

I wouldn't worry about the dead petioles.

I guess that must be it. I thought I remembered it being a very dark purple but it could be the picture, the lighting at the time, or it might not be the same orchid I saw in bloom.

Im glad the spots on the petioles are not a big deal. The phal is otherwise in very good shape. I spent less than 2 dollars, and got a free orchid thrown in. :-) Good stuff.