MSU research articles

[Ray]

My observation is that - whether in clear or opaque pots - more aerial roots grow when the plant has gotten too big for the pot, and that if I move them into pots having a diameter approximately equal to the leaf span, those aerial roots redirect themselves into the medium.

[Sun rm.N.E.]

Ray

Thanks for the info. That's easy to do.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Ray

My observation is that - whether in clear or opaque pots - more aerial roots grow when the plant has gotten too big for the pot, and that if I move them into pots having a diameter approximately equal to the leaf span, those aerial roots redirect themselves into the medium.

My experience with Phals is a bit different. With leaf span very much greater than pot diameter (18" leaf span in 6" clear pot) I have gotten zero root growth outside pot. Roots are litterally pot-bound. Very responsive to the full sun shining on the pot and the watering/fertilizing regime. Still are doing the same. I have others in green pots with aerial roots all over the edges of the pots. I, personally, am convinced that the roots want to photosynthesize and if allowed to do so will stay where they are placed. Just my 2 cents on this.