Phal Roots

[Cynthia Burnhart]

Hi Everyone...
I am new to growing orchids and new to this terrific site. I have several phals in a Manhattan apartment, and they're all doing well, just getting into late stages of this season's blooms. What do I do about all those long strands (roots?) hanging outside the pots. Some have more than others, and they seem to grow on the backside of the pots, away from the window and light source. They start out rather plump. then over time dry up but still look pale green. Should I cut these off? If so, should I cut them now or after the blooming has completely finished? Are they a sign of any problems?

Many thanks...Cynthia
Manhattan

[jerrymeola]

Hi Cynthia

You had asked me this in a private message and I would like to post the answer for everyone. the details in you early message were more complete and I am quoting portions of it


I have had a phal for 3 growing seasons now, and it has bloomed and is doing well.

When things are going well do not make any drastic changes

My question refers to the many long rootlike strands growing from the plant but hanging outside the pot. It is in a north-facing window, and these strands seem to grow mostly on the backside of the pot, facing away from the light, and are now rather dried out. Are these actually roots,

yes they are roots and it is common when growing phals in a pot. In nature phals grow from branches with the roots on the top and the plant and flowers hanging down. Geneticly the roots grow up looking for support, hence the air roots.

I have a dendrobium that grows its air roots away from the sun. The roots are looking for a shadier moister area in which to grow. Mine changes directions every time I rotate the plant

as I have never repotted the plant, so I don't really know what the roots inside the pot and under the moss/bark look like. Should I cut these off? If so, when? And how far back? Close the the plant, or leave some near the edge of the pot?

Most people leave the roots and water them when watering the plant. I have begun removing many especially the dried ones. This is mostly for looks. I will not make any specific recommendations yet but I seem to be having no problems. The roots in the pot are not as hard as these air roots more transparent white and the main support for the plant.

You are going to have to repot the plant soon as the bark medium is becoming old and as it decomposes it holds too much water and is not healty for the plant.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

When I repot a plant, I try to get these arial roots into the pot at that time. If they have been hugging the outside of the pot more or less, this is usually easy to do. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ