Phals, s/h and short pots

[smokinjoe1952]

I have had several smaller Phals in 3" diameter pots that are only 2.5" high. After de-potting a couple, and noticing how poorly the roots were growing, I have come to the conclusion that the shorter pots sold with the 2 pot system are just too short. Even with a small amount of water in the reservoir, the initial root bed is about an inch or less from the water.

Also, some preliminary testing shows that the no longer sold PRIME AGRA may have been too good at wicking. Other brands seem to wick a little less.

I think in my case the combination of short pots and superior wicking PRIME AGRA proved too wet for Phal roots.

I transplanted a couple into an inch higher pot, and intend to put very little water in the reservoir. Time will tell.

I have a couple Phaphs that seem to do OK with a 2.5" pot, but it just seems like they would be too short for just about everything. My taller pots seem to work better for everything that is potted in them.

The attached picture shows the pot I am talking about.

I have re-potted an Onc. in a single tall deli pot, and will try a Phal in one soon.

SJ