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?

[madphrag]

Disturbing the plant to expose the roots at this point will have a minimal effect, if any, even if it is in spike.

[otis226]

Good luck with your Phrag. I've got orchids that'll go months without seeming to do anything, so I'll be very interested in your findings.
Tony

[Bob]

Hi Mitch, Here are the Pearcei's roots. Looks to me like they're overwatered. I now have it in a tray with pebbles and water. How often should I be watering?
I was surprised to see two new shoots coming up. Could that, be taking energy from the "mother ship"? I bought 30-10-10 is that right - 1/4 teaspoon once a week?

[madphrag]

I see it has some good roots and the new growths are a sign of good overall health of the division. I would cut off the dead roots, the ones that are mushy when lightly squeezed and put it back in it's pot if the medium is still good. Part of the problem may be that this is a single growth division with no other growths to back it up. Was this division already in spike when taken from the original?