Root question

[BGGraham1]

Hello, everyone. This is actually my second post, and I have to apologize. I did not properly introduce myself the first time. My name is Brigitte, and I Live in Oxnard, CA, which is about 50 miles north of L.A., and maybe 30 miles south of Santa Barbara (orchid city .

My first post was all over the place, because I was in a panic. I have 3 Phals, 2 Cymbidiums, and one Beallara Marfitch "Howard's Dream", none of which have rebloomed. I am hooked, though, but my husband says I can't buy any more until I get a rebloom from somebody.

[BGGraham1]

That being said, here is my current problem: My two oldest Phals ( 1 1/2 yrs old each) don't really have a bunch of roots. They are currently putting out new leaves, so I am encouraged, but one of them looks funny. I read somewhere that it is possible to have what appears to be roots, but they are actually petrified. What I have are three VERY firm "roots" that are dark in color, and are not very malleable. They stick straight down from the base of the leaves. That same plant has a nice looking aerial root. There have been new leaves sent up before, but they only got to be about 1 1/2 - 2 inches long, then they stopped growing.

Any ideas / advice? (By the way, I am separating my post to try and get the 5 in so I can post pictures.)

[Ron]

Originally Posted by BGGraham1

That being said, here is my current problem: My two oldest Phals ( 1 1/2 yrs old each) don't really have a bunch of roots. They are currently putting out new leaves, so I am encouraged, but one of them looks funny. I read somewhere that it is possible to have what appears to be roots, but they are actually petrified. What I have are three VERY firm "roots" that are dark in color, and are not very malleable. They stick straight down from the base of the leaves. That same plant has a nice looking aerial root. There have been new leaves sent up before, but they only got to be about 1 1/2 - 2 inches long, then they stopped growing.

Any ideas / advice? (By the way, I am separating my post to try and get the 5 in so I can post pictures.)

Hi Welcome to the Forum.
I hope I can get you some good info in a few words.
Phalaenopsis Orchids are tropical, that is they love warm condition 65 f to 80F, fresh air and good humidity of 40 to 60%, good semi bright but indirect light, if ideal growing conditions are to be met.
Then they like a open type of potting mix were air can get through the root system each water day.
In 4 in clear pots ( the roots love the light getting on their roots) I use 1/2 to 3/4 CoCo Nuggets (treated pine bark is another good option as it drains well.)
This allows the thick roots to meander through the mix.
When the roots are established a good orchid type fertilizer mixed 1/2 strength and fed ever 2nd or 3rd watering in the growing season ( spring-summer)
When each of these conditions are met the roots should grow, new leaves should grow and flower spikes should grow and then you will be very happy like me.
Flowers

[BGGraham1]

I appreciate your advice, and now that I believe I have met the 5 post requirement, I can post some pics. I think that part of the problem may be that, although my baby was in a clear plastic pot, it was jammed into a clay pot. Maybe the roots were suffocating. at any rate, I pried the clay pot out, and now I have the two problem children in my sun room - south facing window - with one of the nearby windows open for the breeze. They seem to like it there, as the new growth has really taken off.

[BGGraham1]

I will take photos of the roots on Sunday morning when I repot. I am going to US Orchid Supply n the morning.

[Ron]

Hi the new leaf look healthy enough, I like the god way you have sat the pot on the rocks so a liitle water can remain it the bottom of the tay to help created humidity
Best of growing

[Daethen]

Looks like you are doing right by them. Time for the dreaded word that goes hand in hand with orchid growing......Patience.

Welcome to the forum.