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Thread: 2 Phal Questions

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    1

    Default 2 Phal Questions

    Hi there, I've been reading this forum for some time now and couldn't seem to find an answer to my questions... I bought my girlfriend this phal last april(15 months ago) when it was flowering. When it was done, we cut the spike down a bit and had another beautiful bunch of flowers. We didn't know we should cut it down to the base to allow the plant to strengthen so we cut the spike down a bit again. Well we now have a giant keiki growing on top of the spike(picture attached) with roots growing about 8 inches out from the leaves on top. It kinda sprung up on us very fast and the roots don't wanna slow down. What should we do? I realize that it is mid july already so is repotting it an option? We're both pretty clueless here and would love some help. The other question I have is regarding the potting medium the mother plant is currently in. It is developing white specks on top(i hope it shows in the picture). I've read that this stuff tends to retain salt, could this be what it is? Sorry I droned on and on, we just really want this plant to do well!

    Thanks,
    CanadaWest
    Attached Images Attached Images   

  2. #2
    Real Name
    Bruce Brown
    My Grow Area
    Greenhouse
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    Cattleyas & Slippers
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    Mar 2003
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    Male
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    Arkansas
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    35,133
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    Default

    Looks like the plant is potted too deep. The crown should not be below the potting material. The keiki is ready to remove and pot up.

    Cheers,
    BD

  3. #3
    Real Name
    Ania
    My Grow Area
    Sunroom
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    I like them all
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
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    Female
    Location
    Great Barrington, MA
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    432

    Default

    Some big roots on that keiki!!! Looks very ready to leave the nest! The mother plant looks healthy except for the sunburn on the top leaf. It will do well if you remove the sphagnum moss from the top so it doesn't get get the crown rot. If you had it for 15 months, you might want to re pot it in new medium.

  4. #4
    Real Name
    Bill
    My Grow Area
    Under Lights
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Paphs, Oncidium,and Catts
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
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    Male
    Location
    Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
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    3,526
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    Welcome! I agree with all the advice given. Definately time to plant the keiki. The orginal plant definately needs to be repotted. I would suggest you use orchid bark instead of the moss. The moss sometimes holds too musch moisture and will cause the roots to rot. I also agree that is definately potted to deep. Good Luck and again welcome to the forum.

  5. #5
    Real Name
    Jay Tho
    My Grow Area
    On a Porch/Patio.
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Phals and Vanda
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Massachusetts, USA
    Posts
    62
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    Default

    The keiki looks might healthy.
    I would cut it off, and repot the mother plant.
    The crown and the point where new leaves come out should not be covered. This will promote rot. The last leaf should be resting on the medium.

  6. #6
    Real Name
    Jonada
    My Grow Area
    Under Lights
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    Paph Chiu Hua Dancer
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Wisconsin, USA
    Posts
    1,588
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    I agree with the too deep advice. Most of us wish we had your problems though. Very healthy happy plant there, congrats.


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