jane

I have a Phal that has many roots growing from the top. This phal had
a problems about a year ago with yellowing leaves. I removed the bad
leaves and repotted the plant. Since then it has grown several
healthy leaves but no flowers.

The roots on top are very thick and healthy looking. They branch like
a tree. I have several other phals. They also have air roots but
nothing like this.

Does this indicate any particular issue with the plant of is it
normal? When I water this plant should I spray the roots?

thanks

diana kulaga

Jane,

It is not at all unusual for a Phal (or other orchid, for that matter) to
grow aerial roots. How ungrateful of them not to grow to our liking!

Just make certain to thoroughly soak the aerial roots when you water the
plant.

Diana

jane

Here's what it looks like:

http://home.comcast.net/~jbcamel/orchid.jpg

yep. take plant out of cache pot; put in sink; pour water generously
over aerial roots.

drain thoroughly, then put back in cache pot. i'd do all this first
thing in the morning so the crotch of the leaves has time to dry
before dark.

i have one that grew all its leaves in one direction, and a pile of
roots flowed over the pot rim in the other direction.

it was actually kind of cool.

(are you jane from the 'geeks??)

--j_a

diana kulaga

I have a Catt that has a great root system in the pot - and above it! The
roots grow up into the leaves and attach themselves. Makes it hard to show
it, but it did get tagged for a blue ribbon at a show last fall. Nevermind
the number of Phals with upward/outward bound roots.

Diana

eeyore

The photo illustrates a question I've had. A lot of my phal's, while
seemingly happy, tend to tip and grow sideways. Being a fussbudget I always
have a tendency to want to turn them vertical. Which is better?