| Phals normally hang down from branches and not grown upside down in a pot.
If they grew up like we have them in pots they would all die of crown rot in the first rain storm. There is no crown when they grow down. Also the bottom of the leaf (when in a pot) would face the sun in the wild and is not light sensitive. The other side is super sensitive because it normally only gets bounced light. When mounted I grow Phals in Oncidium light levels or higher.
Because of this I believe the roots are genetically engineered to grow up looking for the branch on which to attach. I have hung many and usually find the roots will grow straight up and attach to the mount the whole way.
Back to the original question about removing roots. I always remove rotten or dead roots, I never put roots in the pot that were outside the pot (the velum is different and too easy to rot before it gets established) and always replace all the potting medium when re-potting.
But one person's preferences is not best for everyone, so you have to listen to everyone and do what sounds best for your growing environment.
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jerry  |