Thank you for the welcome and answer! I’m good for now. I’ve already read the Phal abuse thread and many decades of threads here
Always appreciate your answers.
The two pieces of information I’ve learned from you in your growing area that I value most is “don’t cut roots unless they are black AND slimy” and “some rotted roots in the pot are fine; it’s the condition of the media that causes rotted roots, not rotting roots making the media go bad.”
The other people on this board and their advice that I appreciate (in no particular order):
Ray - roots are tailored to the environment they grow into and cannot change. When you change the environment by repotting, the roots begin to fail. The goal is to keep the plant alive for it to produce roots. That’s why you should wait for roots to emerge at the base before repotting. Keeping the orchid warm with bottom heat (seedling heat mat) is helpful. Create a humid environment by tenting a clear plastic bag over the top. Kelpak “plant iv” boosts growth. Probiotics recommended. K-lite fertilizer. Nitrogen calculator on First Rays for dosing any fertilizer. Growing mostly in semi-hydro leca in greenhouse/deck on vacation. I know you started this to keep the orchids hydrated while traveling and thankful that it’s given countless others another method of growing.
Roberta - orchids teach patience.
Stephen (isurus79) - mold in media is fine (as long as it’s not taking over aka indicating conditions are too wet). Catasetum advice!
SouthPark - water around edge of pot (only lightly in the center) to encourage roots to grow out and down and keep center of media from getting soggy. Grow in large scoria outdoors.
Kim (Fair Orchids) - I like when anyone asks you for potting advice you tell them different mix options for greenhouse or home, different sizes of pots, and notes on which one dries faster. All of the people above (including you) mostly grow outside or in a greenhouse, but many beginners start growing inside a home.
After reading so many threads, I like opening new “help threads”, seeing photos, guessing what the ailments are, and seeing what you guys say. I’m exercising my POO
(Power of Obervation) as Roberta likes to say. Learning what is normal and what needs to be treated (and how) will help me know what to look for.
I’m sure I learned from many more people here that I haven’t mentioned. I am so thankful for all of your knowledge and willingness to help others.
Phalaenopsis leaf yellowing direction
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