Phal s/h with just areal roots. Can it survive?!

[Dri312]

I decided give s/h a try because the weather here in Bakersfield. I thought my Phal was doing fine once I saw leaves and areal roots growing. Until my cat broke the vase and I have to move to a new one. Here is my desperate situation. Please take a look on these pictures and let me know what should I do next. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank u in advance


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[wintergirl]

You have a lot of roots there. Your plant should live. Personally I would just get rid of any mushy rotting roots and keep the rest, then repot in chunky bark. If those dark green roots are firm, keep them.

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The joke thread

[Ray]

The plant was moved to semi-hydroponics with a pretty substantial root system, right? Those roots, not having grown in that environment, were anything but ideal so failed. The plant was not in the process of growing new roots, so they have not been replaced.

I agree with wintergirl's suggestion, adding that the plant should go into a relatively large pot. As more aerial roots grow, they will reach down into the pot.

[Dri312]

Thanks for replying my post guys! I guess the pictures were deceiving because from all the roots inside the vase, I just have one or two "so so" roots. I will remove all the mushy ones.
Ray, thx a lot! U totally nailed about my mistake... I didn't wait for the growth of new roots.
I'm changing to a large pot now. Just a quick question: is that ok if some of the aerial roots be placed inside the vase?!
Thank u!!


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[wintergirl]

Yes, plant them. I do it all the time.

[Dri312]

Thank u wintergirl! I have a question about repotting in chunky bark.. Why do u think it would be better to do that instead keep them in s/h?
I have a bag of MiracleGro orchid potting mix coarse blend. Do u think I can use that?! The weather here is sooooo dry! I'm afraid I won't be able to determine when my Phal needs water or not using bark.
Thank u for ur time and advices.


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[wintergirl]

I thought your roots were rotting in the s/h and not growing. If you feel your plant is fine in s/h then I don't understand your post.

[Dri312]

I thought my Phal was doing fine in s/h because it was growing a good amount of aerial roots and leaves but not roots inside the vase. The roots inside the vase were mostly bad. I removed all mushy ones and left the only 2 good ones inside the vase. I also moved to a bigger container where the aerial roots can be buried in the medium, following your suggestion. I will see how it does for while. If no progress is made, my next option is to move to chunky bark. Thank u wintergirl for ur time answering my questions. Really appreciated!


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[wintergirl]

If you lost your roots in s/h, why would you put your remaining roots in it too? We both suggested bark and Ray said use a larger container. I am confused about what media you are moving to.