Phals - new leaves but no new roots

[yousillygirl]

After killing about 10 phals in a row (100% death rate-- very consistent), I made the switch to S/H about 6 months ago. It wasn't the ideal time to switch (no new root growth) but I was desperate and clearly whatever I was doing in sphag wasn't working. While the plants didn't do a 180, things appeared to stabilize and at least no new fatalities.

Last month I also made the switch to MSU fertilizer and what do you know? Everybody's putting out new leaves. In fact one plant is putting out two new leaves simultaneously.

However, there have been no new roots - despite application of KLN on a 3-weekly interval. Everyone mentions the importance of growing new roots adapted to the S/H environment, so I've been watching for signs. Getting a little anxious too, since I know that old roots frequently die when the plant is moved into S/H.

Wondering if anyone else has seen this pattern of new leaves but no new roots?

FYI I'm only feeding with MSU and KLN.

Thanks in advance

[nlm2951]

Hello.I just stared with the S/H system with some phals, I hope they are going to grow fine , because no luck with anyother potting mix

[magicatt]

Sometimes phal roots don't die in the semi hydro. None of my full sized phals lost a single root with it. However my two mini phals bit the dust when I switched. Go figure.

If your plants are putting out new leaves they are happy. Just keep an eye on them. I bet you get new roots in no time.

[HighSeas]

I just thought I'd mention that in my own experience with phals, sphag moss doesn't work out so well for them. EXCEPT on a mount. I find that they tend to loose their roots even with Kelp to stimulate the growth. They grew roots that soon shriveled and died. As a result, they are either in an orchiada mix I make (and bloom repeatedly) or I mount them. Most of mine are mounted and do well mounted with moss. They dry out faster, grow tremendous root systems and right now are all in bloom. (I have about 12) I tried the S/H and it just didn't work out so well for me. They lived. They grew roots and leaves but the blooming was a bit stifled compared to what they usually do. I would tend to say that if yours are growing leaves, they must be happy. In S/H, you have to give them enough time to adjust. I find it helpful to keep a log on my plants so that I can compare how often they bloom and the quality of their growth through the seasons. That way, if I make any changes, I have some idea as to whether things are on the upswing, the same or things have turned to the worse.

[yousillygirl]

Hooray, happy to report, new roots everywhere! Guess my phals are teaching me a lesson in patience....