Question
QUESTION: I've read your answer to a similar question, but my case is different. I repotted my phal in February because it had a lot of rotting roots. After the damage had been cut away, there was so little left I was sure it would not survive. To be precise here: only three short stumps remained, 2-4 cm long. To my astonishment, the plant responded with two shoots on the spike, then another one below the leaves (close to the 4cm root, round and small, so this looks like a new root) and recently a new leaf (now protruding by 1cm).
I have been checking regularly on it, because of the poor condition of its root system, mainly spraying the leaves -- these kept worrying me in spite of the sprouts, as they looked like they lacked firmness --  and checking that the root stumps are in touch with the bark mixture (there are plenty of air pockets and no danger of rot for the moment, I spray the compost too to ensure it doesn't dry out) Last week I was away(so nobody watered it) and upon coming back I noticed that the leaves were decidedly drooping, and now shrivelling as if the plant wanted water. The buds and incipient root have made no progress (look as if they've stopped growing) the new leaf appears to have emerged a further bit.  I don't know what to make of these contrasting signs. What am I doing wrong? Have I maybe  changed the orientation of the plant? (still, always on the same window sill) What can I do? Thanks in advance...


ANSWER: Barbara, as a survival mechanism, it is not unusual to see weakened plants try to flower.  However, if the root system is too severely compromised, the plant will not be able to get the necessary plant sap to the flower spike and the spike will abort.  You did well to check the roots and repot the plant. I assume you used a fresh orchid potting mix when you repotted the plant. Because your roots are so short, you could consider some long twisty ties that can be wrapped around the base of the plant.  The free end on these can be placed down into the pot before repotting and serve as anchoring "roots" to keep the plant in place.  At this point, the plant needs to grow new roots.  That will take a few weeks.  Expect the old, shriveled leaves to slowly turn yellow and fall off.  This should be a natural process and occurs because they are unable to obtain the nutrients they need from the roots. Future plant growth will only be as strong as the new root system that will develop.  In short, all of your problems are related to a deteriorated root system resulting from a broken-down potting mix and not to any orientation of the plant.

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QUESTION: Wayne,I had no idea that phals may try to flower as a means to survival! Would you suggest I cut the spike to let the plant focus on roots, or had I better leave it alone? Thanks again in advance, Barbara.

Answer
Good question Barbara. I'm afraid the answer is not simple. If the mother plant is sending out one or more healthy roots, I would remove the flower spike(s).  If that is not the case, I would let the spikes proceed to develop unless, or until, the mother plant develops those healthy roots.  Flower spikes may flower or may develop new plants where the flower buds would normally develop.  Those new plants (called Keikis) may develop roots and leaves and, if that happens, they may be removed and potted as separate plants.