Phal, too many new roots?

[Lady Meera]

Originally Posted by bil

What media is in the pot?

It's an orchid mix that is primarily bark with some charcoal and sponge rock I think. I don't remember the brand but the bag had an AOS approval stamp.

---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------

Thanks guys! No I don't think I soaked this batch before I potted with it. I'm still learning I will take your advice and let you know how I make out!

[bil]

Originally Posted by Lady Meera

It's an orchid mix that is primarily bark with some charcoal and sponge rock I think. I don't remember the brand but the bag had an AOS approval stamp.

---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------

Thanks guys! No I don't think I soaked this batch before I potted with it. I'm still learning I will take your advice and let you know how I make out!

Well, I have to admit I don't spray mine pre use. Everyone says that the roots need a dry spell after repotting for breaks to heal, so I figure that'll do. Mind you, I am watering every day.... so I figure it all comes out in the wash, ahaha.

I do sieve the bark to take out all the dust and small bits.

That's the only worry I would have with your mix, in that are the sponge rock and charcoal small pieces that fill the gaps betweenn the bits of bark? I like mine so open it is impossible to overwater it, as I always see suffocated roots as the big threat.

[Lady Meera]

Originally Posted by bil

That's the only worry I would have with your mix, in that are the sponge rock and charcoal small pieces that fill the gaps betweenn the bits of bark? I like mine so open it is impossible to overwater it, as I always see suffocated roots as the big threat.

I thought the same thing when I first opened the bag but the water seems to run freely through when I water them. When I repotted this one I found that while it looked like it was potted in bark from the nursery, the roots were actually packed in moss, hence all the root damage. Maybe this one is struggling a bit because of the change in medium around the remaining roots. Everything else potted in this mix is doing great, but nothing else had to lose so many roots either.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Lady Meera

I thought the same thing when I first opened the bag but the water seems to run freely through when I water them. When I repotted this one I found that while it looked like it was potted in bark from the nursery, the roots were actually packed in moss, hence all the root damage. Maybe this one is struggling a bit because of the change in medium around the remaining roots. Everything else potted in this mix is doing great, but nothing else had to lose so many roots either.

Well, all mixes when new allow water to run thru. I'm trying to look ahead a year when the mix is compacting a bit..
I have repotted some of mine after their first year, to get them into shallower pots, and tbh, the bark was still so good I reused it.

[Lady Meera]

Originally Posted by bil

Well, all mixes when new allow water to run thru. I'm trying to look ahead a year when the mix is compacting a bit..
I have repotted some of mine after their first year, to get them into shallower pots, and tbh, the bark was still so good I reused it.

Okay, I'll keep my eye out. Thanks!

[ewbie]

I envy those phals with nice plump roots. I hope my phal will grow more roots, too.