+10yo Phal too long for pot

[maxonade]

Hi folks, I'm new to the forum but not new to orchids.

As we know, phal grow new leaves and roots out the top and the older plant becomes a woody tail, which for several of my plants is over 6 inches long.

It seems to me that the older part is dead, so I was wondering if anyone has any experience with cutting it off?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[campchi]

You can simply cut off the wooden part, if it still have good roots, pot the bottom up to see if it put out keikis. Saw a video on youtube (maria) did it to her phal.

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[Orchid Whisperer]

If you are repotting, that dry (dead) woody tail will usually snap off with gentle pressure from your fingers, no cutting needed.

[maxonade]

Thank-you both for the rapid response.

I've learned over the years that phals aren't nearly as delicate as many think, but even at that I wasn't ready to go that far. Now I have some orchids to repot.

[campchi]

Originally Posted by maxonade

Thank-you both for the rapid response.

I've learned over the years that phals aren't nearly as delicate as many think, but even at that I wasn't ready to go that far. Now I have some orchids to repot.

Enjoy

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[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board.

[camille1585]

That's exactly what I did a few weeks ago when repotting some Phals. I hacked off the woody bit that only had few good roots growing on it anyway, and repotted.

[Helene]

Does that mean I can cut of this stem that doesnt have any roots?
I've always been afraid it has some sort of "main-root" inside, and left it there. Doesnt seem to do any harm, and even though its black I never had any issues with it.

(Its firm, so I would have to cut it, it doesnt snap of easily)

[estación seca]

This is the sort of problem everybody would like to have.

I always cut off the dead stuff. I fear fungus attacking the dead part, then spreading into the live part.

You may need to use an outdoor pruning shears for something this heavy. Clean it first. Treat the cut stump with some cinnamon and let it dry for a few hours before repotting. Then water very lightly until reestablished.