Concerned about my Phal.

[rwf]

I have a Phal. I bought a few months ago in bloom...since then, the blooms are done and I cut it back(not off)...it was rooting over the top of the pot, so I was anxious to repot...pulling it apart, it has quit a mass of roots and no root rot...I put it into a larger pot w/proper medium...but, in putting the roots that were growing over the pot edge into the new pot, some of the spongy material cracked-broke, leaving the thin white string i/s...my concern, will this root now die off? should I cut those pieces off and repot? should I leave it alone and let mother nature take care of itself? I'd hate to think I've hurt too much. Thanks for your help...R

[orchidlady]

Cracking and breaking roots when repotting is often unavoidable. If the plant has a healthy root system, it is not a problem and in fact is somewhat a "good" thing in that it will stimulate new root growth. If the roots are broken and exposed, you can cut them off if they are accessible, but you don't need to totally redo the repotting. If the roots are not accessible, then I would just leave them.

Susan

[rwf]

Thanks Susan...this makes me feel much better...I've never potted a phal. befor and have alot to learn about orchids.

R

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Cracking and breaking roots when repotting is often unavoidable. If the plant has a healthy root system, it is not a problem and in fact is somewhat a "good" thing in that it will stimulate new root growth. If the roots are broken and exposed, you can cut them off if they are accessible, but you don't need to totally redo the repotting. If the roots are not accessible, then I would just leave them.

Susan

True. I agree!

Cheers,
BD