Phal root question

[dmacch]

What does it mean when a phal produces new roots and once they get into the growing medium, which is sphagnum moss, the tips lose there green color turn black and stop growing. This has happend to a few of my phals while others are growing fine. They are all in a greenhouse 75% shade, 82 - 85 deg and 70% humidity. Thanks

Dom

[jbigio]

I would check the rest of the roots and see what’s going on black roots are never good. Sometimes the potting mix will discolor the root but you should check to see if they are soft. I would doit sooner then later

[WIB]

It probably means the moss is too tightly packed, and they are suffocating and then rotting. Growing phals in sphagnum can work, but it is a little tricky, IMHO. The key is keeping the moss really loose so that air can get through.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I was told recently by an AOS judge that sphag is only good for about a year. Now, I consider this as hear say so far, but since I only use a limited amount of sphag, a few very small pots, I figure it is not a big deal to repot these every year.

[Fabolusus]

When I first started growing phals, I had the same problem. I finally got tired of loosing roots, and eventually transfered all of my phals to bark mixtures, and began using the skewer method.