Tons of Roots, yet Stubby leaves
 

Hey everyone. I have an older Phal Sogo Yukidian V3 that is acting weird. For the last 6 months or so, it's been growing really small stubby leaves. Meanwhile it's been in really active root growth with over 25 active tips, and I'm pretty sure it is not a root problem, given the size of the roots mass. Just wondering if this is a cultural problem, maybe too much light, or possibly a nutrient deficiency. Thoughts?

I'm sorry I can't help you, but look at those roots! :shock:

They're really healthy looking and wonderful, but that's not the reason we have Phals is it? ;)

It looks like a healthy phal. to me. The leaves are very dark green which might indicate too little light rather than too much. The shorter days during the winter may also affect the size of the leaves. What kind of fertilizer are you using? Bloom booster fertilizers are high in phosphorous which encourages root growth and low in nitrogen which is need for leaf growth. The best fertilizer for phals will have most of it's nitrogen coming from nitrate rather than urea of amonium.

Ha, thanks Mutant. Yeah, I do really well with phals, and they are my favorite. All of them have really started throwing roots with the warmer temps, but this one is just awkward. With each leaf getting progressively larger, it may have suffered some stress that caused all this. It could also be the light level, but I figure others might have a genius idea

Hey Tucker. This one actually has signs of redish spots on it, so I've been hesitant to put it much closer to my T5 lights. It's also taller than everything else growing, and this is the only one showing signs of weirdness. I use MSU fert, with twice a month seaweed extract, so I dont think the urea is a problem. Thanks for the thought though

Those are some freaking nice roots.

I have one phal that might be doing the same for me. Its growing out two new leaves at this moment but both look small compared to the others. I guess I'll know in a few months.

The seaweed explains the abundant roots. The first thing I noticed when I started using seaweed was larger and more abundant roots. Which is, of course, a good thing. MSU type fertilizer should be perfect for your phals.. It's sounds like you're doing everything right. Maybe it's just a temporary thing. I wouldn't worry about it.

Well, the seaweed use only started recently, maybe a month. Some of the roots have elongated, but they were already growing so I dont know how much length is Kelpak related. I'm hoping its a temporary thing.

Often when I get a new Phal, the first leaf to grow is small, and all the leaves after that are normal. Not sure why, but they always recover.

My first thought was a nutrient issue, but you're using MSU, which is a good fertilizer, so maybe not. Do you fertilize weakly weekly?

Also, I wanted to point out that I have a few phals that have darker leaves with slight reddish tinges around the edges. They're always like that, no matter how little or how much light I give them. I think it's just their natural leaf color. That said, I would push the light a little more and see what happens. If they start turning yellow or showing signs of burn, obviously cut back on the light again. But, it's worth a try.

Other than the stubby leaves, this plant looks very healthy. I may have to start using seaweed in my watering routine to beef up the root systems. Wow!

Just to be clear, I dont know how much the seaweed did for the roots. I've only been using it for a month, and these roots have been growing like crazy since the middle of December. That said, it obviously isn't hurting them, but I'll keep everyone posted. Ray definitely suggests that it's helping the root system in his setup, so I'm hoping for the same.

Small leaves seem to happen when the plant is stressed for some reason (heat, light, nutrients, temperature...). But in your case, I think whatever the problem was, it's now fixed. As long as each new leaf is larger than the last, I think it's going to be fine.

I gotta find some seaweed extract!! Those roots are amazing. Seaweed extract has been popping up a lot in the forums lately, and I'm impressed with the effects.