My Monster-sized Phal

[Marianne Decker]

Hi! I agree with your thoughts on removing some of the old moss. Moss tends to deteriorate after some time, and doesn't dry out fast enough... I have read that as with vandas, sometimes the best thing to do is take the old pot and roots and just set them into a bigger container. Btw - since you have vandas, I would very much like your input on quite a problem I have encountered with a plant. I sent a message out a couple of days ago (with four pictures) in the category of "Pests and Diseases" which you would be able to access, called "Vanda sansai blue, with cracked roots." Your ideas about the possible cause of this (and weakening leaves) would be highly welcome! I pride myself on being really good with vandas!
Marianne

[camille1585]

Why not just change the medium and the roots that were in moss go in new medium and all the aerial roots stay like they are?
Sometimes I wonder if phals really need medium. I have a friend who has a huge healthy phal like yours, with tons of keikis as well as flowers and aerial roots. She puts its pot in a decorative pot. One day I was curious about the mass of roots it had in the pot. To my greatest shock there was a few inches of water in there! She says she always keeps it in standing water. Most/all of the roots in the pot are dead, but you would have never guessed it by looking at the phal! I was amazed. Shows how resilient these plants are.

[SheilaJ]

That is one beautiful plant!!!

[OrchidPhoenix]

hi there susiep!
i saw your pictures some where eles on the board (cant remeber) and i have been trying to hunt you down, LOL.

I think your chids are just gorgeous! I also live in fl, although, central and i am finding out that fl does most of the work for us:-)

Anyway, would love to hear from you and some of your experiences.

[susiep]

Thanks, Phoenix! Yes, growing here is easy in many ways. It would be nice if someone started a Florida or tropical group on OB where we could discuss topics and problems that are unique to us, wouldn't it? It was nice of you to hunt me down!

[OrchidPhoenix]

I agree, that would be great! I have found that living in the area that we do, the growing is a bit different from everywhere eles.

lol yvw on the head hunting my first 2 orchids are phals and when i saw how huge yours are and that you were from the same area i just HAD to meet you and hope share some stories along the way

[gmdiaz]

Holy Jumping Catfishes!

Great growing!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by susiep

It would be nice if someone started a Florida or tropical group on OB where we could discuss topics and problems that are unique to us, wouldn't it?

That is a brilliant idea!! I live in Hawaii and I grow all my critters (90+) outside. Those of us who are fortunate enough to grow outside have compeletly different needs/problems than those who grow inside. I think a "tropical group" might be a good idea for this forum! Just my

[susiep]

Oh, good! That was just an idea. I have no idea how to go about starting it. Any ideas?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by susiep

Oh, good! That was just an idea. I have no idea how to go about starting it. Any ideas?

Hmmmm.... I guess we could pester Marty until he gives us a new posting area Maybe somehow we could find out how many ppl would be interested in such a forum? 'Cause if its just the two of us, I doubt we'll get very far!!