Why would a root grow in like this?

[bellc]

I actually thought I had a new spike coming in on one of my most prolific Phal orchids, but it's about 2 inches tall now and it has no mitten-like end. The part that has shot up resembles the new roots that are also growing, but with a remarkable difference. This particular "growth" came in between two leaves in a spot where you would think only a new stem would come in. It's definitely growing decidedly upwards only. Is this a misguided root? Sorry, but I don't have photo-taking abilities right now, as my husband takes the camera to work. Thank you!

[mayres]

I think it is genetic predisposition (?). I have a few that do this as well. Just enjoy it along with the rest of the plant. It is most intriguing to observe these unique plants - every one is unique and has a mind of its own! :-) mike

[Ak_Orchid]

What medium do you grow your phals in? I've found that my phals that I grow in mostly or all sphagnum tend to throw the aerial roots out above the pot like you described. I'd check to make sure no root rot is going on, other than that, there's nothing harmful about having them outside the pot.
Sean

[mayres]

Does the following photo represent something like you have going on?

Seems to be normal growth for some varieties - enjoy it! :-)
mike

[Maddy]

I have two doing that

[atcrosby]

I have three that are doing that ..

And one that can't make up it's mind so it's growing parallel to the medium ..

[prisana]

I had one that I thought was first a root, then it looked like a spike, at the end , it turned out to be a keiki, after about a couple of month , I cut it down and planted it ..now I have a clone that's been growing happily eversince.

[janet_a]

"because it feels like it"

i've got one that's trying to reach up and strangle itself with its own aerial roots. -sigh- then i've got another one which put out a bunch of aerial roots, over the top of the medium and the edge of the pot and started to wander off---all in the same direction. the leaves are growing in one direction, and the roots (about 5 inches long) are all cascading over the edge in the other direction.

then i have one that has grown several aerials which bifurcated at the tips and are growing like elongated Y's. then there's the one that grew a couple aerials in different directions, down over the sides of the pot, and are trying to stick themselves back in through the holes in the bottom. aerial roots are cool.

(you gotta watch 'em though, or they stick their roots in each *others'* pots.)

[atcrosby]

In the wild, the Phal will attach itself to a tree or a limb. It can be found in nature hanging upside down with its roots wrapped around a tree limb. A Phal growing inside a container is not something it does well so it will explore it's surroundings to see if it can move up so to speak.

As was mentioned, be careful to not let it get attached to things. At this one greenhouse, they let a phal attach itself to the work bench and now it's got bunch of roots hanging on for dear life.

Phals are beautiful and rebels too!