Phal new growth!

[Ophiel]

Hello,

I'm so excited, there's a new growth next to the root on my phalaenopsis. I've only ever had new leaves & roots, but nothing that resembles this one before. Can someone help me identify it? Cheers!

[Paphluvr]

That's where I would expect a spike to emerge from but they're usually green and a bit more pointy. One thing that I noticed is that the plant is way off center in the pot. Has it been repotted in a while? If that is a new spike you may have trouble with the plant tipping over since all the weight is to one side. If that new growth elongates a bit more and starts to grow upward then you've got a spike.

[Bulbopedilum]

I think it's a root but hey, maybe it's a spike!

[Ophiel]

Yeah I planted this tilted to the side of the pot since I've read that's how they grow in the wild, which helps reduce the chances of moisture collecting in the crown. The plastic pot is anchored, so no problems tipping over. It'll be so awesome if it's a spike!

[Bulbopedilum]

Originally Posted by Ophiel

Yeah I planted this tilted to the side of the pot since I've read that's how they grow in the wild, which helps reduce the chances of moisture collecting in the crown. The plastic pot is anchored, so no problems tipping over. It'll be so awesome if it's a spike!

I believe they grow upside down in nature, not tilted. This helps further in rot-prevention as water just flows to the bottom. That's how I mounted mine, so I don't need to be careful when watering.

[MattWoelfsen]

What you posted is a very healthy root. Growing your plant sideways helps prevent water collection at the plant's crown. I grow my Phalaenopsis that way too. It takes up more room however.

I would recommend you cut off the flower spike as I don't think it will grow more flowers, it has browned almost to the stem. Cut it off as flush as you can to the stem without damaging the stem.

[Dollythehun]

I always tell myself not to respond: however, there is a root on the left but, to the right there appears to be a spike starting. Some of mine also start out reddish. So, I believe you have a new root and a spike.

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I always tell myself not to respond: however, there is a root on the left but, to the right there appears to be a spike starting. Some of mine also start out reddish. So, I believe you have a new root and a spike.

That growth right above the emerging root? I barely saw it, glad you pointed it out. Yes that looks like a new growth. Good eyes!

[bil]

Anyone care to explain
1. How water can collect in the crown? (I have tried for years to fill the crowns of my phals, but the water just runs out between the leaves.)

2. In nature, with the crown hanging down, it will still get wet, so how does the plant survive?

Serious question. I see everyone saying 'Don't wet the crown!'.. it just seems to me like an urban legend that is repeated without ever testing it.

So, can anyone validate it, or am I right?

[Bulbopedilum]

Originally Posted by bil

Anyone care to explain
1. How water can collect in the crown? (I have tried for years to fill the crowns of my phals, but the water just runs out between the leaves.)

2. In nature, with the crown hanging down, it will still get wet, so how does the plant survive?

Serious question. I see everyone saying 'Don't wet the crown!'.. it just seems to me like an urban legend that is repeated without ever testing it.

So, can anyone validate it, or am I right?

1. Where phals live, there is A LOT of rainfall. If a phalaenopsis is big and grows upright, water will slide down the leaves and seep into various nooks and cranies, promoting rot. This has happened to my oncidium once.

2.Yes, the crown will get wet, but not INSIDE the crown where the water all accumulates and it is harder for water to get into the nooks and cranies. Wet leaves are not a problem.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.