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How to handle Phal aerial roots?

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Davin Stewart, Mar 9, 2023.

  1. Mar 9, 2023 #1
    Davin Stewart

    Davin Stewart New Member

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    Hello all! I just found this forum and am happy I did because I've got several inherited phal's that are throwing out aerial roots and not sinking them into the substrate like they should!

    It seems like the leaves almost channel the new roots along the leaf axil and into the air.

    Is there a way to gently redirect these back into the substrate where they should be?

    Oh, I'm potting them in standard cheap transparent plastic orchid pots using off the shelf orchid bark and they've been growing very well for several years now. I water by immersing the pot in lightly fertilized water up to the plant crown for several hours and do that every 3-4 days. The substrate is almost entirely tree bark with very little water retention so it dries out quickly. I haven't lost a plant since I adopted this approach and they throw out beautiful green leaves like crazy.

    Thank you for any responses!

    -Davin
     
  2. Mar 9, 2023 #2
    Lil Duck

    Lil Duck 4 Ducks in a Trenchcoat

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    Roots will go where they want to go, if they are throwing out aerial roots I take that to be a sign that the plant has enough roots in the pot. In nature, aerial roots keep the plant stable in the wind. If you don't like the look you can always give it a larger pot and any new roots will grow into the substrate.
     
    Marni likes this.
  3. Mar 9, 2023 #3
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Here is a recent thread on aerial roots with more good information.
     
  4. Mar 13, 2023 #4
    Davin Stewart

    Davin Stewart New Member

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    Thank you. I appreciate the feedback and recommendations.

    What I'm hearing is that there's not really any good way to deal with aerial roots apart from up-potting and trying to bury them in the media.

    Seems like there should be some way to gently direct them down into the media. Maybe I'll play around with something.