Phrag Question

[Heather]

This was posted by LadybugOK over at the garden web forum, and I wondered if anyone here might have an answer for us...

"I purchased Phrag Saint Peter in bloom a couple of months ago and the pro mix it's in has settled alot leaving a rather brownish looking root exposed. Can I add some sphag or african violet mix to cover it? (Are they like paphs about not liking exposed roots?) Or do I just leave it alone? It's still in bloom...love these sequential bloomers..number 5 is just about to open. Thanks for the help! Maggie"

My Reply:
I wonder about this too. I have a St. Peter and a Paph St. Swithin and both of them have a bit of a root sticking out. I haven't worried, but am curious as to whether I should worry or not, now seeing your post.

thank you!

[LJA]

Heather, I have no idea what African Violet Mix is made out of, but you could definitely cover any exposed roots with sphag, more Promix, fine coconut, or even just plain old seedling bark. And actually, it would be better if you did. (You're right, they don't like any exposed roots much either, but a little bit showing won't make much difference.)

[Paphraguy]

I did see that post over at GW and I was wondering if the poster was also one of his followers, so I didn't bother to answer.

In nature, terrestrial Paphs and Phrags roots never grow deep underground, their roots are always shallow just below the surface of leaf litter and debris.

If you have lots of exposed roots, go ahead and add more mix to cover the exposed roots. If its only a tiny amount of root showing, then I wouldn't worry so much.

Hope this helps!

[Heather]

Thanks guys!

I figured you might have seen that Pete and only pursued as it started getting me worried. Mine only has a couple bits of root showing so I'll keep my concern level low. My St. Swithin was a real leaner when it arrived and sort of has "one foot in the air" but it has settled down and solidified, so I stopped worrying about it. This just got me wonderning again.

[Paphraguy]

Personally, I cover any exposed root that I see, it's better to be safe than sorry.

[Heather]

Allrighty then - upon closer inspection, it seems I've got a bit of bark to soak!

Goody, a new plant project!

[Jmoney]

I don't really have anything new to add...just to lend support to the "cover if you like, but an exposed root or two won't hurt the plant" response. I use clear pots and it's a rare slipper with an exposed root or two that doesn't have the bulk of its root mass safely tucked inside the pot. (The ones that don't are conspicuously wobbly). I'm lazy, ergo, I let it sit there.