Phal *overgrown*?

[MrsConnie]

Ok. Its taken a lot of guts to post about this because I think im a bad orchid mummy!
my pink phal is currently sorting itself out after the accident it had *I broke a new spike by mistake, and where the break happened just below its put out another spike which is growing fast...but also not growing up but to the side and along...*
Anyhoo.

I think it needs to be repotted. Since the roots are all poking out the holes in the bottom of the pot that its in *which is then in a display pot*
A month or so ago I realised it had rotting roots and I cut some off...and its roots are sprining roots on roots already there..

But as its out growing the pot and come outside...should I report of just leave it be because its concentrating on this new spike?

another question. I know Orchids have "floating" roots and I have PLENTY of those, big thick and "silver"...but some...I dont know...maybe dead ones? all flaky like leaves outside to them and some held on my thin threads...should I chop or leave the damn thing alone?

So repot or leave it alone...and do I cut the what apears to be dead floating roots or whatever it is..as it goes back into the potting "bark"

Thank you

[tom499]

As its in spike I wouldnt repot unless there was an issue with rotting. I personally like my orchids to overgrow their pot abit, many of my larger phals have a more roots than medium in the pot.

If its just abit crowded, wait till its flowered, as it seems to be quick to rectify your little accident

[MrsConnie]

ooh its been VERY quick in fixing the little accident! Quicker then I ever imagined. I thought "thats it, its gonna give up on me" and in a week it was shooting out a spike off the same damaged spike and its grown...too fast! so fast I think when it does bloom it wont be vertical but horizontal! Yep...thats right as im too scared to even attempt to attach it to a support stick!

Now which some roots that are "rotted" well...not a lot. should I chop those or again leave the damn thing as it seems happy enough...and about what seems to be dead floating roots? leave them or chop them?

xxxxx

[jerrymeola]

A rotting root can not do anything for the plant that will be beneficial so cut it.

when a root cracks and is held on by the center also cut it. It is too easy for a cracked root to develop rot so stop it before it has a chance

[mayres]

As in many discussions you will get lots of opinions on this. If I knew I had rotten roots on any of my phals I would be removing them as soon as I had opportunity. Anything stringy, soft/mushy, black, etc. I would remove regardless of flowering/spiking. The only time I have seen this be a problem is when people put their plants back into bark that is not properly rehydrated (presoaked) and the plant goes through a period of shock from not being able to take in enough water. Enjoy! mike

[PhalPal]

MissConnie - keep in mind that potting up orchids is for our benefit, not the plants. It really doesn't need the media, and as stated above I would much rather have a pot bound orchid then over potted. Just make sure you adjust your watering to reflect the absence of moisture retentive soils.

I always cut off dying roots. Like Jerry said, no benefit, only possibility of a future problem. Sounds like you are a great Orchid Mummy!!!

[MrsConnie]

Thank you I will get on with all that ASAP
xxxx