I'm a hot mess

[realoldbeachbum]

Originally Posted by Zoey339

I completely agree they are too wet and not enough air. Suggestions on what to pot them in? I'll give what orchidking, I think it was, suggested a try other wise. Obviously not repotting all of them just these when they get roots and any that appear to need help. Should I stick with the water in the glass thing or try potting without roots? Defintely will look into the rooting stuff. Thanks

Zoey339, I am also new to orchids and have had the exact same problems you are having! I reduced watering, purchased clear plastic pots with ventilation holes, and have seen a HUGE improvement. (I really like clear plastic pots with ventilation holes from repotme.com because I can continually check the roots. See pic.) I do NOT put mine in decorative pots because that seems to impede air flow.

Don't give up on the plants!! Some of my best plants now were at one time very sick rescues. It gives me great joy to nurse a sick orchid back to health!

I LOVE the Orchid Board. You have found a great resource for our new hobby. Keep orchiding!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by realoldbeachbum

I do NOT put mine in decorative pots because that seems to impede air flow.

I absolutely agree that putting an orchid pot within a second (decorative pot with no ventilation holes on the bottom and/or sides of it) can impede air flow.

Using decorative pots could lead to unintentional orchid abuse. This just means that when using decorative pots ------ it's nice to keep in mind that keeping the roots and media nicely 'aerated' is highly beneficial to the orchid's health. So putting enough holes in the bottom of the outer decorative pot, and allowing air to keep running through those holes will be very beneficial to the orchid's health.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Sometimes when I display a (blooming) plant, I do put it in a decorative pot. Usually, I use a decorative pot that leaves a half inch to an inch on all sides of the pot that the plant is cultivated in (maybe call that the cultivation pot?)

When I am just growing the plant until the next bloom, I stick with the cultivation pot only.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by realoldbeachbum

Zoey339, I am also new to orchids and have had the exact same problems you are having! I reduced watering, purchased clear plastic pots with ventilation holes, and have seen a HUGE improvement. (I really like clear plastic pots with ventilation holes from repotme.com because I can continually check the roots. See pic.) I do NOT put mine in decorative pots because that seems to impede air flow.

Those are the exact pots I typically use, the ones with the slots on the sides in addition to the bottom. Before I got into orchids, I always enjoyed choosing pretty pots for my houseplants, but I have learned that the orchids, at least in my particular conditions, do best in the clear plastic ones. I guess the advantages outweigh their being so plain. And, yes, one of those advantages is being able to see some of the roots down in the pot.

One thing I have learned, though, is that the roots of a healthy orchid will readily grow right through those slots, both on the sides and bottom. So, when it's time to repot, the plastic pot usually has to be sacrificed by cutting it off around the roots. I don't like having to do that, but at least they are inexpensive. I have occasionally lucked out and found them for sale at local orchid shows, which saves shipping costs. Also, the ones I have that are potted in Orchiata are only repotted every two to three years, and that would be because a plant is outgrowing its pot, not because the medium has decomposed.

[Zoey339]

Hi Guys. Sorry havent updated. The pumice and lava rockin got in is way smaller than I expected. You live and learn right. The clay pebbles were expected size though. I potted up the medium phal with a mix of my potting bark mix, pumice, lava rocks, and the clay pebbles, packed very loosely. I also repotted four others who werent doing great, and two had less roots than the medium phal. I really have a black thumb. Taking the problem children out of their decorative pots for the winter is probably a good idea plus I plan on watering less. Speaking of watering less. My orchid at work has two keikis. Experimenting with keiki paste. I was sick yesterday so missed its watering, and friday it didnt look like it needed water. The inner leaves of both keikis are black. I'm assuming this means they arent going to make it. Picture attached. The plant is pushing out a new leaf and new roots, maybe it sacrificed the keikis. Sigh