Mold issue with new potting media after repotting first phal
pt529
5 years ago
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Lars
5 years agopt529
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoRelated Discussions
Phals in new potting medium
Comments (9)Phals are commonly grown in Sphagnum moss or bark. Sphag works well, but for one potential problem. It tends to become compacted and remain soggy for long periods. If that happens, the roots can smother and die. Fir bark also has a potential disadvantage, which is that it may not hold sufficient moisture to suit Phals. There are variables involved in finding the best medium for a particular growing environment. Growers experiment with different media and/or by mixing different things together to find what works best in their respective conditions. I agree that putting a layer of bark over Sphag serves no practical purpose, and I also agree with using bark alone, if that is what has been working for you. For even better results, consider trying coconut husk chips (CHC). In my opinion, this is the best Phalaenopsis medium. CHC holds both water and air very effectively, maintaining an excellent air-moisture balance. This property makes it much more foolproof than either bark or sphag because overwatering or underwatering issues are greatly reduced. Phals love it because it provides an ideal environment for their roots....See MoreHaving issues with Phal Nobby's Amy
Comments (4)The fact that it was blooming in November seems to suggest it may have been imported and now is a bit confused as to its seasons. As you have probably noticed from other Phals, they mostly grow in phases. First phase is root growth. If they are getting sufficient food and water, the next phase is leaf growth and they will put out several new leaves quickly (Phals do not grow leaves all year round) and then, after the leaves reach about full-size, the plant will start its flower spikes. After blooming, the plants will generally rest for a bit and not do much of anything. Then, it starts over with new root growth. I don't think you set back your plant by repotting it unless a number of live roots were damaged. Phals do not generally mind being repotted at any growth phase as long as the roots are undamaged. Your plant will catch up and start producing leaves shortly, and the next thing you know, some spikes will be starting, hopefully by mid-fall to early winter (my Phal hybrids don't spike until spring here because the greenhouse is too cool for their liking in winter). Nobby's Amy is a beautiful Phal. I have been tempted to buy one -- if I had room....See MorePhal Orchid mold and repotting
Comments (14)Also, how much should i be watering the orchids per week? 1/4 cup? Don't be afraid of giving your orchid too much water-"overwatering" does not refer to the amount of water given to the plant but instead the frequency. For example-you could pour gallons of water on the roots when you water and the plant wouldn't care less, however, watering it once an hour without letting the roots dry first would eventually rot the roots. You can water the orchid a couple of ways- 1. You can get a decorative pot (no drainage holes), fill it up with water, and soak the roots of the orchid by slowly placing the pot that the orchid is in (the plastic pot with the drainage holes) into the decorative pot filled with water. Immerse only the roots-not the entire plant (e.g. don't soak the leaves/stems). After 30 minutes to an hour, take the orchid out of the water, dump the water that you used to soak it, then place the orchid back into the (now drained) decorative pot. 2. You can take the orchid to the sink, turn on the tap, and run water through the entire pot (without wetting the leaves/top of the orchid). After around a minute, you can place the orchid back in its spot. Don't water the plant on a schedule-water when the plant needs water. You can use a couple of methods to tell when to water the orchid. If you have a plastic pot, you can take a look at the roots from the sides of the pot. If all of the roots are silvery-grey/white, then the roots are dry and could use a little watering. If some roots are green, then the roots have enough water and you do not (should not) need to water. Oh and how do i know if the roots are dead too? Like JerseyGirl mentioned-dead roots are usually brown/black and mushy, while live roots are usually white/silvery (they should turn green if wet) and firm. If you're unsure, just give the root a gentle squeeze. If it feels mushy, go ahead and remove it. If it feels firm (even if it's not completely healthy looking), then it's alive. When you say orchid pot, how do I know if it's for orchids? Here is an example of an orchid pot (Amazon) Plastic Orchid Pot The orchid should fit snugly into the pot-not too small and not too large. You shouldn't have to stuff the orchid in-if you have to do so, then the pot is likely too big. The current pot size it is currently in should be fine. How can I decide on an appropriate potting mix? Orchids are usually potted in bark or sphagnum moss. Sphag can be a bit tricky to work with, so I recommend using bark for your orchid. Here's an example of a bark mix you can use for your orchid: Better-gro Bark Mix Whatever mix you choose-don't use Miracle Gro's orchid mix. The bark pieces in it are too small for orchids. When repotting, you can also use hydrogen peroxide (H202, you can find it easily at pharmacies) 3% and spray the root system after you remove all of the old sphagnum moss from the roots. This will help disinfect the root system a little and should help prevent any fungal outbreaks after you repot....See MoreRepotting Phals, should I?
Comments (9)I also agree, healthy looking roots on both to my eye. Unless they're tippy or you want to use a different pot or the media is broken down, I'd probably leave them both be for another year. The strings coming out the side of the pot on the first one are because at one point the roots grew through the small holes and when the roots enlarged, they got cut by the hole itself and broke. That is one of the reasons I don't like slotted or 'side-holed' pots, although the same can thing happen with holes in the bottom of pots. Good luck, Bob...See Morept529
5 years agosplinter1804
5 years agosplinter1804
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