How do I fix this!

[ALJ]

In June I purchased this phal-den already mounted inside a clay pot. Since then the roots have been growing wildly. I'm used to dealing with bark, charcoal, sphag - other media. Can I get these roots under control without re-mounting it?

[norris]

Your plant seems to like it's roots in the open air. I would try to find a basket, and then maybe wedge some lava rock between the old pot and the basket to hold the plant in place.

[jerrymeola]

Your plant is growing in large coconut hunks, which I recommend to avoid whenever you see them. The coconut rots fast and becomes a spongy mess.

The heavy roots on the bottom of the plant are the result of greenhouse watering in a carrying tray. The tray keeps a reservoir of water in the bottom into which the roots like to grow. There is no way you can duplicate the conditions and all the roots under the pot will die. This will not kill the plant, but you can not keep enough moisture on the roots to keep them.

Constantly check how the plant is absorbing the water. You can slowly remove the coconut by pulling pieces out a little at a time as it decomposes. I would not try to put this in a pot unless you are willing to take the time to remove all the coconut. Air mounting in a basket maybe your best choice.

By the way you do not have to hang baskets they work very well as a pot and the air circulation will dry the coconut faster.

[ALJ]

Thanks guys! A coconut hunk. I had no idea what that was. It does appear to be decomposing quite quickly. I have den that is mounted in a similar manner, and it is really breaking down. So would a vanda basket work? I've seen other baskets but I don't know what they are made from. They're brown, curved and resemble hay. Which will work best?

[brookn]

I had a Phal come potted with this coconut stuff in the center. I soaked it for a while, at which point the chunk got really soft, and I carefully broke it up and pulled it out of the roots. I then potted the plant up.