Phal question about growth

[HuniGems182]

I have a few phals, one of which has many many roots. Do they still put out new roots even if there is already an over abundance? I have yet to see I new root and I am startingnto wonder.

Can a phal spike from the same spot twice? I saw a growth under my old dried spike, from the gap that the spike creates

Also, is it normal for them to sprout new root tips off of old roots? I have another plant that loves branching the roots.

And, if a aerial root is half dried and hollow at the base and the rest is half alive , should I do away with the whole root or leave it. I often fine roots like this, whether half rotted and half alive or half dried and papery and half OK.

Finally, I like to collect rainwater for my them, I do this by putting a bucket under my gutter. The gutter has not been cleaned and has quite a bit of plants and old leaves in it. Is this bad nfor the rain water that runs thru it?

Appreciate any replied in advance!

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by HuniGems182

I have a few phals, one of which has many many roots. Do they still put out new roots even if there is already an over abundance? I have yet to see I new root and I am startingnto wonder.

Phals can and will grow roots whenever they feel like it. As far as they're concerned, there's no such thing as an over-abundance of roots. And root growth is a healthy sign.

Can a phal spike from the same spot twice? I saw a growth under my old dried spike, from the gap that the spike creates

Not likely. The plant may have been sending out a new root from a spot by where the spike came from.

Also, is it normal for them to sprout new root tips off of old roots? I have another plant that loves branching the roots.

Phal roots can and do branch. They can also seem to stop growing, even turning white at the tip, and then start new growth.

And, if a aerial root is half dried and hollow at the base and the rest is half alive , should I do away with the whole root or leave it. I often fine roots like this, whether half rotted and half alive or half dried and papery and half OK.

I would keep any live root on the plant. Just because part of it looks bad doesn't mean that the root's core is dead, so the live part of the root will still support the plant. However, this question makes me wonder about your watering. Properly watered roots won't rot, so I wonder if you aren't allowing the roots a bit of dry time between waterings.

Finally, I like to collect rainwater for my them, I do this by putting a bucket under my gutter. The gutter has not been cleaned and has quite a bit of plants and old leaves in it. Is this bad nfor the rain water that runs thru it?

My guess is that the water from your gutters may be a bit more acidic than usual due to the leaves but if the water is just washing over and through them it's not going to be significant. Hopefully, someone with a bit more chemical knowledge will chime in ion this.

Appreciate any replied in advance!

I hope that helps!

[HuniGems182]

Thank you so much, did help, you have good info.yes my watering is a bit on the heavy side. I tend to over water newly bought plants. I never know how much they were ever given. But this practice has subsided. I realize now it is better to let the plant adjust first. My media would always dry fast, and I would always be INA hurry to water. I've learned to be patient