Cutting off the Base of a Phal.

[chris_rex]

I have 2 or 3 older Phals with maybe 10cm of stem, with dry leaf bases, and lots of aerial roots. They are starting to lean and become "unmanageable"

I am considering cutting the top off, and planting them in medium. Given the profusion of aerial roots; I think the top will survive.

The question is, will the stem currently in the medium regrow? Are there any "eyes" at the leaf axils?

Any tips to enable me to turn 1 plant into 2 neat ones would be a help.

[camille1585]

While in theory that could work, I have never tried it myself so can't give any advice. Do you have a photo of the plants in question?

What I have done with leggy Phals is to unpot them, and cut off the dead old stem at the base of the plant. That part usually has no or very few good roots. That then allows you to set the plant deeper in the pot.

[Shadowmagic]

here is a guide on how to do what you want to achieve with Vanda orchids. Like camille I have never tried it myself.

https://pacificbeachorchids.com.au/m...da-orchids.pdf

[Ray]

Monopodial plants don't have dormant "eyes" like sympodials do, but if the current sub-surface root system is healthy enough, and you are able to remove the top high enough (keeping plenty of aerial roots) so that there is a fair amount of tissue mass left behind, it is possible - but not particularly likely - that a new apical meristem might emerge.

I suggest that after you make the cut, dust the cut ends (only) with a bit of cinnamon powder to seal them and prevent infections.

[chris_rex]

Thanks all. It looks doubtful, but I will give it a try, because the plant is leaning over and the sheer bulk of roots means it looks untidy and unacceptable.

I will come back here if the bottom half ever produces a new growing point aka apical meristem. It might be a good lesson for all who have older, untidy Phals.