Beginner questions about a Cattleya and Phalaenopsis

[JenMorri88]

Hello everyone! Cracks formed on the bulb at the Cattleya. Seemingly dry. Is it dangerous? Can Phalaenopsis be kept on a sunny south window? can you help me!

[JenMorri88]

My phalaenopsis has roots coming out of the pot, what should I do with them - leave them as they are? and Phalaenopsis's buds are drying up! Why can this be? Maybe he is cold? I'm sad, I don't know what to do ...

[early]

Originally Posted by JenMorri88

My phalaenopsis has roots coming out of the pot, what should I do with them - leave them as they are? and Phalaenopsis's buds are drying up! Why can this be? Maybe he is cold? I'm sad, I don't know what to do ...

Jen, the roots coming out of the pot are called air roots and you do not have to do anything about them. How long have you had your phalaenopsis? did you buy it with orchid blooms and buds? I have never had buds dry up. But have read here it may be what they call bud blast. Tell us about where you live, the temp in the room, and I have read here some south sun in the winter especially in the morning is good for phalaenopsis but never in the summer because it will cause root burn and other problems. Ray, one of our experienced growers and writers here, has detailed information on Phals. Also I think Roberta, SouthPark and many others have years and years of experience in orchids and very helpful to new growers. Don't be sad, your Phal is probably fine. Ask question about potting new to you Phals, type of Medium to use in the pot, also don't keep the roots of the orchid wet. depending on where you live and your climate, the medium drys slower or faster. Wet roots cause root rot. when watering never get water in the crown *center of leaves) it will damage it. If you accidently do, dry it the best you can with a q tip and paper towel. ASK away. I have been growing orchids for about 18 months with good sucess from coming and asking for advice here. I got so scared once in the beginning, I drove 60 miles round trip because my leaves had white spots on them. It was a nursery that told me all is normal and it was. Photos of your plants also helps the experts see what is happening. There is a sticky note that tells you how to post them. Use the search at the top to find it. good luck Jen

[realoldbeachbum]

Welcome to the OB, Jen. I am a newbie to orchids as well so I can't offer help. However, these fine folks here at OB know everything! They have helped me through similar situations and have saved many of my seedlings and sick plants. Many blessings and happy growing! ROBB

[WaterWitchin]

JenMorri88... I moved the one question Camille had moved, plus two more of your questions to their own thread. You will get better responses asking your questions directly, than to tag onto someone else's thread, unless your question is specifically related to the same type of orchid and/or problem with it.

---------- Post added at 01:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:24 PM ----------

First off... Welcome to Orchid Board! There are a lot of folks here who can help you in answering your questions. And sometimes we need to ask more questions before we can give a good answer to yours.

Phalaeonopsis (Phal for short) likes shade, as in no real direct sunlight on the leaves. So if it's in a south window and receiving direct sunlight you may want to move it back a bit.

Phals are notorious for aerial roots. Sometimes there's a reason (like poor potting medium) and sometimes they just do it and are fine.

Temperature range for Phals runs around 60F nighttime low, to 85F daytime high. Anywhere in there won't bother it, but they do like to be on the warmer side.

Could be numerous reasons for buds dropping: watering too little, sudden change in temperatures, getting a new one in bud and having them blast because you're now growing it in different conditions than it was in before.

Cracks in a cattleya... we'll probably need to look at a picture of it to know what you're talking about. Some folks can't post until they have five posts, so if you can't upload a photo, do two more short posts and you should be able to proceed.