Just a question?

13 years ago

I'm curious about this phal. As said on other posts, every time I water it, new roots pop out, and twice now, I've had new leaves sprout up. Each time, the lower leaf has died, so it appears I have a "5 leaf" phal.

That's fine, if it's what the orchid wants to do, but since I brought it home and got a feel for the right watering and put it in bark instead of that sour smelling moss, it's growing this "neck." Kind of like African Violets do. Should I leave it alone, or should I repot it, deeper? Or just not worry about it, since it's otherwise healthy? I know leaning to the side is fine, they grow like that in trees, but the roots just keep starting higher and higher. ??

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Comments (7)

tolumniamatt
13 years ago
Repot when there are more good roots above the potting media than below and at least every two years.
philpet
13 years ago
Also phals tend to send out air roots so you DON'T need to have all the roots in the medium they seem to be happier when a few of their roots hang otside. This picture is my phal which insist to keep sending roots outside so I just change the media when its time and let it do what it wants. Velleta
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thedogsLL
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks! Sounds like I'm good to go for a while, then. I just changed the moss for the bark about two months ago. So far, every new root just dives down into the bark when it gets long enough.

One other question, please? Does the medium degrade when it's stored in the bag it came in? I was only able to find a 5 lb bag, and as you can see, my one little orchid didn't take much. I know in a year or two it may well need a bigger pot, but should I plan on new bark also?
philpet
13 years ago
Ok so I really don't think it degrades that easily unless moisture catches it. But you could always give it to a friend with orchids. And get new one when its time to repot or buy more orchids one is never enough, and yo seem to be a natural at it. Keep u s posted of your progress, remember we are all here to help each other on our orchid journey. Velleta.
westoh Z6
13 years ago
As long as you keep the medium dry, you can store it for a fairly long period (year+). If it gets wet or moist, you take a chance on mold forming and ruining the stored mix. Personal experience talking here :-(

Good luck,

Bob
shavedmonkey (Harvey in South Fl.)Z10b
13 years ago
The orchid bug will hit you and you will need all the potting stuff and more. All collections start with one. I bet there are more to come. Good luck
thedogsLL
Original Author
13 years ago
:) So far I've resisted that bug, not for lack of wanting, LOL! It's really hard to resist the ones in the grocery store and Home Depot - They are sooo pretty. I just don't have space or time to take care of them properly.

Thanks for comments - I'll just hang onto the bag and check it as I need it. AND post pix if it ever blooms! I'm making plans for how to get it cooler weather at night but warm during the day.