new phal questions

[Roberta]

Don't rush to cut roots. The number of definitely good roots would drive the decision - a root with rotted velamin (the spongy coating on the roots) can still at least passively hydrate the plant. So consider just gently stripping off rotted stuff with your fingers, then give a good washing under the faucet. Those "strings" are actualy the functioning part of the root, and can also serve to anchor the plant in place when repotted (really important that it be held firmly, no wobbling). If you have lots of good roots, then you can consider trimming the really bad ones. But remember, if you remove too many, the plant will have no way to hydrate itself while growing new ones. And Phals don't have pseudobulbs as a reserve.

[Mountaineer370]

In most cases, I am in the habit of repotting newly-purchased Phals pretty much as soon as feasible, but especially ones that came from a local grocery store, of which I do have a few. The last one I bought from Kroger's had some kind of a soaking wet peat plug encased in a plastic cage down in the pot. Another one was in sphagnum moss packed so tightly I had to cut it apart in chunks to remove it.

Your Phal looks healthy right now, with beautiful roots showing through the sides of the pot. I think it could use a pot one size larger. I'm partial to chunky bark, but there are plenty of members here who use other potting media with good results. It's really a personal preference, greatly dependent on how often you are willing to water.

Ditto to Roberta's wise post starting with, "Don't rush to cut roots."

As far as the spikes, yes, they look like they could produce more buds, but if I had to choose between losing future flowers from those existing spikes, and getting that orchid out of its mass-market pot and medium, I would take a chance on losing a spike or two. With proper care and culture for your growing conditions, it will recover quickly and produce more flowers in the future.