The Phal abuse ends here.

[cbuchman]

Great explanation Philip - thank you. I have always removed the entire root when the exterior is brown & mushy because a partial system does not work.

Although not applicable to Phals, some orchids have a brown color to their roots, such as Maxillaria. This brown presentation should not be confused with rot. Hence the brown and mushy before removing.

[Tatika]

Thank you everyone for responding to my repotting question.

My question arises because alot of these new roots are growing out- not downward. I dont know if I should guide them downward by repotting my Phal. I was told that this could mean that the air is dry and they (the roots) are searching for moisture in the air. I dont know how true that is because i cant find anything online that confirms this.

I just really want this Phal to be happy and i hope i'm not doing anything wrong.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by Tatika

Thank you everyone for responding to my repotting question.

My question arises because alot of these new roots are growing out- not downward. I dont know if I should guide them downward by repotting my Phal. I was told that this could mean that the air is dry and they (the roots) are searching for moisture in the air. I dont know how true that is because i cant find anything online that confirms this.

I just really want this Phal to be happy and i hope i'm not doing anything wrong.

It's normal for them to do that. If you're going to repot and haven't yet, you can soak the roots a little to make them more pliable and guide them into the new medium if you so desire. But as orchids generally grow on the trunks of trees, their roots are exposed to the air basically all the time. Their root are designed to catch nutrients and moisture from rain and then dry quickly. I wouldn't worry too much about it if they are throwing out roots. Just mist them so they don't get too dry.

[Tatika]

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse

It's normal for them to do that. If you're going to repot and haven't yet, you can soak the roots a little to make them more pliable and guide them into the new medium if you so desire. But as orchids generally grow on the trunks of trees, their roots are exposed to the air basically all the time. Their root are designed to catch nutrients and moisture from rain and then dry quickly. I wouldn't worry too much about it if they are throwing out roots. Just mist them so they don't get too dry.

thanks so much! i appreciate everyones help!

[Seewah86]

I have a grocery store phal that has been doing really well. It's been in bloom for a good couple of months. Lately, however, I've been wondering if there's something strange going on with it's leaves. First of all they are pretty thin limp. But they seem to be the right color or maybe just a tad on the light side. Secondly, there are two very long leaves on each side at the top that are so long and heavy they hold the smaller leaves down under them. The leaves are smooth. One leaf at the top (a bigger one) is kind of twisted and wrinkly. Any thoughts? I'm a total newb.

Not sure how to successfully upload pics. Tried linking to imgur but it says post denied.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by Seewah86

I have a grocery store phal that has been doing really well. It's been in bloom for a good couple of months. Lately, however, I've been wondering if there's something strange going on with it's leaves. First of all they are pretty thin limp. But they seem to be the right color or maybe just a tad on the light side. Secondly, there are two very long leaves on each side at the top that are so long and heavy they hold the smaller leaves down under them. The leaves are smooth. One leaf at the top (a bigger one) is kind of twisted and wrinkly. Any thoughts? I'm a total newb.

Not sure how to successfully upload pics. Tried linking to imgur but it says post denied.

You have to post 5 posts before you can upload pictures. Is it in moss? Are its roots okay, have you examined them?

[Seewah86]

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse

You have to post 5 posts before you can upload pictures. Is it in moss? Are its roots okay, have you examined them?

Ah that makes sense. It is not in moss. It's in Miracle Grow Orchid Mix: Coarse Blend. The roots looked great the last time I had them out of the pot (unfortunately my first mistake was putting it in a pot I couldn't see through).