My first Phal

[Devast]

Hey, I've bought my first phal 2months ago. It had 2 flower spikes, not many roots and some root rot, potted in ~90% bark mixed with some moss. 1 leaf was wrinkled but it's ok now. I figured I can repot it once it's done flowering. I can see 7 healthy roots (not sure what's inside the pot). Ok, so it's in bloom with 2 flower spikes for 2months+ now. Flowers show no signs of falling off. A few days ago spikes started "reblooming": new buds formed above older flowers AND new branches appeared bellow older flowers (not sure how to express myself here). Anyways there is new growth on 4 different spots now + new leaf. And everything happened within a few days. Isn't it a bit too much for 7 roots? Cutting the spikes sound so wrong

[ilikeorchids]

Pictures might help but I think you should cut at least one spike if you still want the Flowers just so your Phal can also support to the new leaf and maybe roots, at least this is what I think, but it's up to you too are the roots healthy enough? Or how big/long are the roots? I wish someone can help you out here.

[Devast]

Well it's growing in a standart size pot so i can barely see any roots The upper roots look ok (to me) and i mist them every other day. Can't post pictures yet. Can phals bloom & grow roots at the same time ( is it even worth leaving 1 spike)? People grow orchids in 100% bark in my country (high chance of root rot). Thank you for posting

[Optimist]

I personally do not let mine bloom again. I think it is a individual choice.

Phal roots can go quite a while without water. A lot of whether you water a little or a lot reflects your living conditions. Do you live in a cool humid area? Or a warm dry area.

Repotting in a clear pot will help a lot.

[fudJy23]

I have a phal that when I first got it, had two spikes with buds and a couple of flowers opened. As flowers dropped off, more opened or a side spike grew. It went on for two years and I didnt know when to repot it. I finally went to one of those Q&A sessions at the local orchid show and was told when the last flower opened, repot it since it's the buds that are more sensitive to changes. So I did. That was the last flower in that two year stretch. After repotting, it sent up another spike and now I have flowers again. I wonder how long these will last.

So based on all of that, maybe repot when all of the buds have opened and you don't have any new growths.?

[wintergirl]

There is a saying, "if it's green, don't be mean". I just let my plant grow whatever it wants.

[tarev]

I just enjoy the bloom show as it goes. From what I have seen with my Phals, as long as it has roots that are growing great and new leaves forming too, it will continue on. It will rest once it is ready. And it will be a long rest at times, so enjoy the blooming phase!

Hope you can post some photos soon! We love seeing photos