Phal spiking new secondary shoots while having few roots?
 

Hi all. Here's an update on my phal that I had for about 5 months and have some dilemma that has not been solved/resolved. I have 2 healthy looking secondary spikes coming out of my primary spike. I noticed that about 50-60% of my roots were damaged/black, so I trimmed the old/decomposed roots to encourage the 4 new roots to grow.
The bottom 2 leaves are dehydrated, but the top 2 leaves are still holding up/in OK shape.

I am still very concerned that if I put the plant in a bark or moss medium, the roots may get damaged in one way or another. The plant can't support itself, so i staked a chopstick for support for now.

QUESTION: When should I repot this orchid with bark medium? I don't want to take it off 'life support' prematurely and get it back into the 'normal' condition.

I would repot it ASAP. The new roots will adapt to the medium they will grow into - therefore I would rather have them grow into bark already.

I would also cut off the spike, in order to "force" the plant focus on growing roots.

Later edit: I would also keep this plant in relatively lower light and higher temp + higher humidity than "normal", which is likely to stimulate it grow roots.

I agree with val.

Me too

OK my fellow orchid advisors, I went ahead and repotted the phal with bark medium. It is secure and I think I didn't crack/damage any roots in the process. I will post an update on this orchid on this thread in 2 weeks or so.

Thank you all for your advise. I just really hope that the leaves do got get more dehydrated than it is now.

You could try adding some kelp (seaweed) in the water which would help stimulate root growth.

Since I added Kelpmax (I got it under the old name) the root growth I see is outrageous. On my Sogo Gotris I have 4, yes, 4 new roots growing out the meristem. That doesnt count the numerous off shoots I have from older roots either.


I'd cut the spike and them give this puppy some humidity and hope it responds. It looks like it has enough roots to recover fully.

I swear by that kelp. I wish my Miltoniopsis would respond as well. for some reason they don't root like crazy like the Phals and Catts do with it. I guess the big fleshy roots respond better.

KELP? Really.? Where can I find them?

Hydroponics places usually seem to have either a liquid or dried form. First Rays has some.