Roots are good! - Orchid Board

camille1585 · #1 01-05-2011, 07:36 AM

This is one orchid (Phal pulchra) which has obviously listened to me when I tell the orchids "roots are good"! Counted no less than 11 new root nubbins that have appeared in my 2 month absence. Talk about a surprise when I saw all the roots when I went home for the holidays! (most of phals stayed behind in France while I'm back in the netherlands a few months.)

Now, maybe if I tell it "blooms are good" it will finally decide to bloom for me?? Having tough time with this one.

Jennyfleur · #2 01-05-2011, 08:01 AM

Wow! Is Phal pulchra particularly 'prone' to aerials?

camille1585 · #3 01-05-2011, 08:53 AM

I have no idea. I've had the plant for about 1.5 years I think, and it's never done this until now!
I thought it was because the roots in the pot were in bad shape, but no, those are all perfectly healthy.

Call_Me_Bob · #4 01-05-2011, 01:35 PM

Looks happy! Idk if this is consistent in all phals. But I have observed in my collection that often A new root will grow out of the leaf axis, once that root is about 1 1/2" a spike will start. Weird? Idk. But maybe yours will bloom too.

By the way, I love pulchra and I have been looking all over for one.

You can call me Bob

WhiteRabbit · #5 01-05-2011, 02:35 PM

a happy plant, indeed! I'm always extra excited over phal roots, as I had problems for so many years with them

tucker85 · #6 01-05-2011, 03:39 PM

It looks like a very healthy phal to me. Nice job.

alsorchids · #7 01-05-2011, 03:58 PM

I am glad your orchids listen to your positive reinforcement. I sing in the greenhouse, but I am not sure they appreciate my selections of music or not. It is always a pleasure to see healthy plants such as yours. AL

RosieC · #8 01-05-2011, 04:20 PM

Wow... good going Camille!

I have one very large phal that does that sort of thing with arial roots (those in the pot also grow vigorously).

I don't think it's a sign of problems in the pot... just a very happy Phal

Anisa · #9 01-05-2011, 04:34 PM

It is like on steroids!

camille1585 · #10 01-05-2011, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by help

Looks happy! Idk if this is consistent in all phals. But I have observed in my collection that often A new root will grow out of the leaf axis, once that root is about 1 1/2" a spike will start. Weird? Idk. But maybe yours will bloom too.

By the way, I love pulchra and I have been looking all over for one.

I knew even before getting it that pulchra is a tough one to bloom. It needs a cool down period to induce spikes (more so than other phals apparently) and once the spikes appear if it's grown too warm (it likes intermediate) it'll make nothing but keikis on the spikes. I'd just be happy to get a spike at this point!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anisa

It is like on steroids!

LOL, it does! And once all of them start to get long, it's going to look like some freakish 15 tentacled octopus. I don't know if I want to sleep in the same room as it anymore!