What to do with a Phal that seems stagnant

[No-Pro-mwa]

Maybe more light? The leaves look pretty dark, that sometimes means it isn't getting enough light. Strange your others bloom and this one doesn't. I would think it would still grow roots and leaves even if it wouldn't bloom. Do you feed them?

[silken]

I can't really see if there are roots in the pot. There should be silver roots visible when they are dry and green when they are wet. Are the leaves firm and plump? They look a tad leathery, but it could just be the way light is reflecting off the leaves. It doesn't look real bad so if there are good roots inside the pot and the leaves are firm, then you need to try chilling in the fall and maybe a bit more light using care not to burn leaves. If you are giving a high nitrogen fertilizer, you could switch to a balanced one because nitrogen promotes leafy green growth, not blooms.

[labyrinth1959]

There are roots in the pot but they are mostly hidden in the medium. Roots are one issue that has me concerned because it seems to me that all of my plants seem really slow to grow roots and most look a bit anemic to me. The leaves are a bit leathery.

[silken]

The roots may be getting a bit smothered. They need air to breath and dry out quickly. I prefer to use medium bark with a bit of sphag mixed in just to retain a bit of moisture. But my mix has big air pockets. Roots should almost dry out throughout the pot before being watered again. If they aren't healthy, watering the plant won't help as the roots can't take up the moisture and if the media is dense, the moisture will just sit there and cause root rot.

[labyrinth1959]

Well I've lost patience with this plant so I dumped all the medium out and took a good look at the roots. what I found out is that the only roots it has, are the ones outside the bark medium. Other than those roots, it has none. About 1 inch at the base of the stem looks dried up and dead. I cut it off, applied cinnamon to the cut. The rest of the stalk looks very healthy. It appears to have a couple of root buds. I am temporarily putting it in coarse bark that has been soaked for an hour. I am looking for suggestions as to what to do with it next. AT this point, I will try anything.

[silken]

Originally Posted by labyrinth1959

Well I've lost patience with this plant so I dumped all the medium out and took a good look at the roots. what I found out is that the only roots it has, are the ones outside the bark medium. Other than those roots, it has none. About 1 inch at the base of the stem looks dried up and dead. I cut it off, applied cinnamon to the cut. The rest of the stalk looks very healthy. It appears to have a couple of root buds. I am temporarily putting it in coarse bark that has been soaked for an hour. I am looking for suggestions as to what to do with it next. AT this point, I will try anything.

Sorry to hear about this plant, but I don't think you can blame the poor plant. Hopefully it is in a smallish pot as there are not many roots. I choose pot size based on the roots, not the plant. Make sure not to get cinnamon on healthy roots as it is a desiccant and will kill healthy roots. It's mostly used for above ground cuts and spots.

Be sure not to over water the plant. The new bark will dry out quickly until it has been around for a while. But if there are only roots at the surface it might be better to mist them. Since you have some new nubs started, you might want to get yourself some kelp solution (seaweed). it stimulates root growth. I like to use it when watering root challenged orchids. Don't use it all the time as it has hormones but for a few weeks and then let off for a few and you can alternate for a while until you see some good root growth. It's not necessary once roots are good. Sometimes you can get more roots than you know what to do with. Good luck!

[labyrinth1959]

Do you have a specific recommendation for a Kelp product? I do have one that I use every other watering.

[silken]

I don't since I am in Canada and you likely find different ones. I have tried a number of them and they all seem to have worked. The cold pressed liquid ones are the best as the process doesn't destroy some of the components whereas other processes do. I will soak the pot in the solution (mixed with water of course) and then still let it nearly dry before watering again.