Phal, too many new roots?

[Lady Meera]

**update to ask about leaves. You can't tell from the original pictures I posted, but this Phals leaves are really droopy and leathery, and they are starting to curl in on the sides. I've read this could be because of dehydration from lack of roots. Should I water more or add wet moss to the top of the bark? Or should I let it go since its producing so many roots. It even has another new leaf forming.

Also, could these leave be dying because there are so many new roots busting through them? The new root growth is pretty high up on the base.

I have attached a picture that shows this drooping and such. It should be the last attachment in the bunch.

Thanks in advance and thanks for all the help so far! *****

I recently repotted a Phal for the first time since bringing it home and I had to remove a lot of dead/rotten roots. When I left for vacation last week there were 5 new roots growing, which is fantastic. When I came home today (1 week a later) there were a lot more and I'm afraid that this growth is excessive and perhaps I am over-fertilizing. I fertilize my Phals once a week after I water using Jack's Classic Orchid Special (30-10-10) at 1/4 tsp per gallon when they are not in bloom.

I'm concerned because many of these roots are coming out above and between the leaves and in one spot there are so many new roots growing that it looks crammed. This is my first Phal to have noticeable new root growth so I'm not sure what to expect. Is this normal?

I've attached pictures for reference.

[campchi]

This looks like a good sign. More roots the better

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

New root growths are great, especially when there are so many.

[estación seca]

You can never be too rich, too good looking or have too many roots.

[Joseia]

Originally Posted by estación seca

You can never be too rich, too good looking or have too many roots.

Lol, that is hilarious! It would be funny to have a tshirt with that printed on it!

[bil]

What media is in the pot?

[Lady Meera]

Originally Posted by bil

What media is in the pot?

It's an orchid mix that is primarily bark with some charcoal and sponge rock I think. I don't remember the brand but the bag had an AOS approval stamp.

---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------

Thanks guys! No I don't think I soaked this batch before I potted with it. I'm still learning I will take your advice and let you know how I make out!

[bil]

Originally Posted by Lady Meera

It's an orchid mix that is primarily bark with some charcoal and sponge rock I think. I don't remember the brand but the bag had an AOS approval stamp.

---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------

Thanks guys! No I don't think I soaked this batch before I potted with it. I'm still learning I will take your advice and let you know how I make out!

Well, I have to admit I don't spray mine pre use. Everyone says that the roots need a dry spell after repotting for breaks to heal, so I figure that'll do. Mind you, I am watering every day.... so I figure it all comes out in the wash, ahaha.

I do sieve the bark to take out all the dust and small bits.

That's the only worry I would have with your mix, in that are the sponge rock and charcoal small pieces that fill the gaps betweenn the bits of bark? I like mine so open it is impossible to overwater it, as I always see suffocated roots as the big threat.

[Lady Meera]

Hello everyone!

I though I would post an update on this orchid. I moved it to a smaller, clear plastic pot and repotted it in the repotme classic dark phal mix. I soaked it for its waterings for a couple months over the summer but now just water from above. The leaves are no longer droopy and the roots have grown wonderfully. Every few weeks I have to coax them down into the medium and add more on top to keep them covered. To my great surprise, it recently rewarded me with a new spike!!!!

Thank you all for the wonderful advice on this plant!

[tucker85]

I don't think there's any such thing as too many roots.