Root growth direction

[rfkhky]

Hi,

I'm new to Orchids and over watered a Phal which resulted in root rot. I have trimmed the dead roots and repotted in a mixture of moss and bark. I have new roots growing which are about 2 inches long and look healthy. The only problem is that they are growing horizontallly for about 2 inches and then turn upwards instead of downwards into the potting medium. This has left the leaves and crown area "floating" on top of the medium and unstable, thereby requiring a support rod. How do I get the roots to grow into the bark? Thanks!

rfkhky

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

This is a tough one, because, while you can manipulate the roots some, you don't want to take a chance on breaking the only roots the plant has. I'll bet jerry will want you to mount the plant. I think if it were me, I would grow the plant in New Zealand moss for awhile, until the roots are a little more massive, and then put it back into bark. The moss can be used as a swathing like used on babies to keep their arems and legs from flailing around. Well, that is probably a stupid analogy, but the moss can be used to sort of bind the roots to start to pull them downward a little and the whole ball of moss can be wedged into a pot. I often use moss in this way to hold a plant into a pot that would not cooperate by staying in place in any other kind of mix. Once in a pot, the moss can be higher on the sides of the pot, and lower toward the center where the base of the plant is so that you are not burrying the base of the plant. You probably would not want the moss packed in very tight, only enough to hold the plant in place. Cynthia

[rfkhky]

Thanks Cynthia. I will "wrap" some of the moss around the roots and see how it goes.

bobk

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I don't think using moss at the top of the pot of bark is a good idea, as keeping the moss wetted often will result in very wet bark beneath, or at least be aware that the potental for very wet bark exists. A ball of moss in a shallow pot by itself would be better. Or the ball of moss just at the top of a small pot with air beneath would be good. These are just recommendations, don't feel you must do any of these things. Cynthia

[jerrymeola]

Moss is the most common potting material for Phals in Florida nurseries. Expect to re-pot it once or twice to get it established from your description.

My favorite potting for Phals is hydroponic rock in an orchid slit pot with a saucer under it. The water kept in the reservoir tends to induce root growth toward the water. The clay changes color when it gets wet and it is easy to see how dry the pot is. The clay pellets touching a clay pot moves water across the medium and results in very even moisture.

You can keep water in the saucer at all times but I prefer a couple of days without water between waterings. This occurs even if I try to keep the saucer full as I never remember to check it often enough.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Just remember that the practice of maintaining water in the saucer is only to be used with the clay pellets, a hydroponics substrate, and not any other mix, except for some Phragmipediums and a few terrestrials.