Phal roots in s/h

[Buds!]

I have a phal with some healthy root growth.


Is it safe for the roots to be soaking in or touching the water reservoir or should I repot?

When is repotting required?

Thanks again guys!

[Ray]

If the plant grows its roots down into the reservoir, it's perfectly fine. If you potted them that deep, they will suffocate in the liquid.

Remember - in all cases - if the root grows into a particular environment (including liquid), it will tailor itself to function well in it.

Basically, it is only necessary to repot when the plant outgrows its current container.

[Dorothy]

It looks fine to me .. no reason to repot .. it has plenty of room to grow yet

[dave b]

Id just let it go. The one pictured below has been in s/h about a year. Several of the roots have grown down into the water zone. There is almost always water present. Only thing i seem to have noticed, is that the roots stop growing or slow way down once into the water. It continues to send out new roots, some go down into the cup others go aerial. Yours looks happy.

[Becca]

So the question is Buds, as Ray mentioned, did you plant it this way recently or did the root grow into the water reservoir area over time?

[Buds!]

Originally Posted by Becca

So the question is Buds, as Ray mentioned, did you plant it this way recently or did the root grow into the water reservoir area over time?

This phal had shorter roots when it was switched over to s/h in Nov 2007.
Over summer it has grown quite a bit, hence the roots touching the reservoir.

[Buds!]

Originally Posted by Ray

If the plant grows its roots down into the reservoir, it's perfectly fine. If you potted them that deep, they will suffocate in the liquid.

Remember - in all cases - if the root grows into a particular environment (including liquid), it will tailor itself to function well in it.

Basically, it is only necessary to repot when the plant outgrows its current container.

I think I've killed a couple of phals by repotting too early because the roots were touching the water reservoir.
Now I know not to fiddle too much unless the pot bursts!
Thanks Ray!

[Buds!]

[QUOTE=dave b;88610]Id just let it go. The one pictured below has been in s/h about a year. Several of the roots have grown down into the water zone. There is almost always water present. Only thing i seem to have noticed, is that the roots stop growing or slow way down once into the water. It continues to send out new roots, some go down into the cup others go aerial. Yours looks happy.

Hey Dave,
That is one happy phal.
I like your pot. My pot was recycled from an empty bottle of giant Soya Sauce.
It does the job!
Cheers,

[caseydoll]

Wow, your phal is doing great! I can't wait until mine in s/h start growing roots down like that. I think the roots are as cool as the orchid!

[irrka]

mine are mostly bottoms of seltzer bottles. mmmm i love bubbly water. sooo good and even better with orchids on the way