Phrag Pearcei not growing?

[Bob]

I've had this Pearcei for two months. It was bought with a shoot about 4 1/4".
I've been anxiously anticipating the bloom. I've measured it frequently and it doesn't seem to be growing. Over-all it looks fine, except for the dark streaks I've written about here before. They seem to have been a product of my inadequate watering the first couple of weeks. They haven't disappeared but have deminished.
I know orchids are slow growing but is this normal?
The only thing I can think of is that I've been unsure of how to, so I've been ferilizing it VERY
lightly.

[madphrag]

Sounds like symptoms of severe root loss. I'd carefully pop it out of it's container and check the condition of the roots.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I agree. Probably needs a good repotting to spark its interest. If it is spare on roots, be sure to add some rooting hormone when you repot.

Cheers,
BD

[Bob]

It's OK to repot with a shoot? If so, I'll do it this afternoon and try to post a photo of the roots. Do you think you'd be able to tell if anything was wrong?

[madphrag]

It's OK to repot with a shoot? If so, I'll do it this afternoon and try to post a photo of the roots. Do you think you'd be able to tell if anything was wrong?

Let's wait and see what the roots look before going any further. Here's what a good root system should look like for Phrag. pearcei.

[Bob]

Thanks Mitch, but the question I still have is - is it OK to take it out of the pot to see the roots, with a shoot on it?

[Bob]

I meant to ask, Mitch - why do you have that pearcei in a clear pot?

[madphrag]

I meant to ask, Mitch - why do you have that pearcei in a clear pot?

Every orchid I have that is potted in conventional medium are in clear plastic pots. Makes it much easier to monitor the health of the roots.

[Bob]

Someone just suggested I cut off the spike and let the new growth have the energy. Opinions?
That would be hard for me to do. I keep watching for more growth, but I'm beginning to accept it's not coming.

[madphrag]

I certainly would. As I said before, it looks like a nice healthy division and new growth has started. Give it time to fill the pot up with new growth and you'll thank yourself next blooming cycle. Good Growing.