FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

I'm not seeing anything terrible in the pics. You've got at least 2 healthy roots and two that may regrow. I can't tell what the black area on the stem is, but as long as it doesn't spread you should be okay. If it were me, I'd sprinkle some cinnamon powder on the black parts, especially if it's not dry.

As Adelaide said, Phals are airplants so you could just stick it some place convenient as spray it as needed. But since you're planning on potting it, be careful choosing the growing medium. Always keep in mind that the roots need air. If you go to your local garden center or box store, they probably have something called "Orchid Medium" (or the like) made up of mostly 1/2"-3/4" bark chips and assorted other stuff. This would be fine - it leaves plenty of air between pieces. Another common choice is sphagnum moss, with or without extras like perlite. If you go with sphagnum, get good quality stuff and don't pack it tightly at all.

Watering technique will depend on the medium. The idea is to not quite let the plant dry out completely (the leaves are semi-succulent so you've got some leeway).

Cleo_13 wrote:Since it's an epiphyte, could I prop it up at the top of the pot, with maybe a bit of moist media at the bottom for humidity (but not touching the roots), and spray it?

The simple answer is "yes". But I don't think you'll need any media at the bottom for humidity. Phals are pretty happy at household (or dorm room) conditions. You'd just have to be careful that the plant doesn't move around. The growing tips of the roots are delicate and easily hurt. Which is why they're typically potted or mounted so they're unmovable.

On the other hand, is there any room at bottom of the container that you planned on using? Can you just put a bunch of pebbles in to counter the top-heaviness? Your typical quartz pebble is unlikely to hurt a Phal - they're nowhere near as finicky as CPs. Probably the best solution would be a clay pot, if you can get your hands on one.

BTW, I read of an experiment years ago where a guy filled a pot with glass marbles and poured in enough superglue to stop them from moving around. He placed a Phal on top, watered it regularly and it did just fine, with the roots growing in the gaps between the marbles. Like I said, Phals aren't finicky.