Phal root growth question

[mook1178]

This is the same Phal I always ask about. It has gone through repotting and root rot since I acquired it back in November. It has tried to bloom from an old spike cut at the nursery. I cut that spike off to encourage it to grow roots. I also saw something that might be a basal keiki. The plant came with 2 crowns and when contacting the nursery, they stated it will grow more. Well that keiki turned out to be a spike and I noticed a second Spike starting on the opposite side. So again i cut the spikes to encourage root growth. Now 3 days later I see what I think cold be a root nodule. I figured it'd be a couple weeks at least.

So my question is can a spiking Phal also grow roots? I thought during flowing the plant put all energy into the flowers and any other growth went dormant.

That sucks if I just cut flowers that I could have had!!!

[jcec1]

They can grow roots, leaves and spikes all at the same time. So unfortunately you have lost those blooms, if it's healthy and robust which it sounds like it is - it may send out another spike soon.

[mook1178]

That's a shame!! It hasn't grown any new roots so hopefully those will really start to take of now. If much rather err on the side of caution as this guy is the first named hybrid Phal that I own. Thanks for the info.

[aliceinwl]

Could it be growing more roots inside the pot that you're just not seeing? This is where I get the bulk of root growth on my Phals. My Phals also spike while simultaneously growing roots and leaves.

I've only really seen stalled leaves on Phals that I've purchased at big box stores. I'm assuming these plants were forced into spiking making the plant divert resources. When plants that have been in my care awhile "decide" to spike, the leaves and roots just keep growing.

[mook1178]

The orchid is in SWC, so I can see all the roots.

I've only ever had big box store Phals and never had them last more than 2 years. So I didn't know about them growing roots and leaves while flowering.

It's a shame, but at least new roots are finally starting to grow.

[aliceinwl]

If it’s pushing roots and has been trying to flower it must be fairly happy. Hopefully, it’ll try with another spike soon!

Most of my Phals are box store buys. I’ve found repotting to media and pots that fit my conditions key to long term health. A lot of them seem to have the bloom stakes shoved in shortly before arrival at the store. A lot of times the roots are skewered in the process, if they’re in moss and kept under cool (room temperature) moist conditions the damaged roots are very prone to rot. If I repot quickly, the roots can usually heal.