Phal - advices about mutiple problems

[Dalachin]

Originally Posted by Franzwdk

Your explications are very clear and let me know how to adapte my way of culture.
What do you think about automatic spray/fogger in order to have regular water and dry periode ( exemple: Intelligent Reptile Fogger Terrariums Humidifier Electronic Timer Automatic Mist | eBay Could it be a good way to have regular watering and drying periodes? It could create an athmosphere closer natural conditions. I never seen litterature on web that deal with this subject.

Automatic mist systems are great for mounted phals. This type of culture tries to mimic natural conditions. But it is a lot of expense and effort, and most phals, especially modern hybrids, grow best in pots with bark or spagnum, given the right temperatures and watering schedule. I have some in semi-hydro and those do well too, once transitioned and kept warm. I have avoided pure water culture because there is little evidence that this is better long-term for phals, and I am hoping to keep mine happy for years.

[Waterdog111]

Not sure yet how many use this but I am switching a lot of my orchid’s medium over to red scoria(lava rock). This medium doesn’t deterate as it gets older and I believe it may be a bit heavier to balance out a top heavy plant. It also retains moisture for a time,at the same time not too much. Well anyway it new to me to, and I will know soon how well it’s going to work for me on different types of orchids.
Good luck with yours, also welcome to the board.:goodluck

[Kittyfrex]

Originally Posted by Dalachin

Automatic mist systems are great for mounted phals. This type of culture tries to mimic natural conditions. But it is a lot of expense and effort, and most phals, especially modern hybrids, grow best in pots with bark or spagnum, given the right temperatures and watering schedule. I have some in semi-hydro and those do well too, once transitioned and kept warm. I have avoided pure water culture because there is little evidence that this is better long-term for phals, and I am hoping to keep mine happy for years.

You forgot to mention to mention that mounted plants need superb ventilation, even more so when you start getting their leaves and stem wettish.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Waterdog111

Not sure yet how many use this but I am switching a lot of my orchid’s medium over to red scoria(lava rock). This medium doesn’t deterate as it gets older and I believe it may be a bit heavier to balance out a top heavy plant. It also retains moisture for a time,at the same time not too much. Well anyway it new to me to, and I will know soon how well it’s going to work for me on different types of orchids.
Good luck with yours, also welcome to the board.:goodluck

Just a note of caution here... repot only when plants are growing roots. Also, don't succumb to the temptation to repot all at once. Orchids grow slowly, so you won't know if this (or any other change) is an improvement for 6 months to a year. Patience...

[Waterdog111]

Thank you much, and rest asured I intend to take every bit of your advice as I always consider it of much value. And from all who have much more experience than I do.
Thanks again!
Oh yea, I did put one of my three little new kekiis in the scoria, (not many pieces needed here. They are dendrobium
Loddigisii

[Franzwdk]

Hello,
I was wondering too about the life cycle of leaves. How long the live of leaves last?
It's just curiosity!

[estación seca]

Different orchids have different leaf lifespans. Phalaenopsis leaves can live for many years.

[FranningtonBear]

Originally Posted by tmoney

edit: you can force temps a bit by giving the plant some direct morning sun ONLY in winter. yes, i know everyone says to never give phals direct light, but in winter, through a window, for only a couple hours when ambient temps are 15 or 16, and trust me the plant will thank you...i don't care what anyone says. we do this with our phals and they have never complained. but the affect is that the plant warms up and it can raise your avg daily winter temps a tiny bit. mind you, this is just our uninformed, beginners opinion!!!!

My Phals all live on windowsills that receive a few hours of direct sunlight each day with no ill-effects. In fact they hardly ever stop blooming! The light intensity will be lower than many OB members since I live in the UK. Some of my Phals live on east-facing sills receiving a few hours of morning sunshine whereas others are west facing getting their sunshine in the afternoon.

[Waterdog111]

That light combined with a bit lower temps is probably why the Phals I put in my sisters room on the window sill are doing so good. I only water them about every two to three weeks. Dont think anyone else touches them besides me.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by Waterdog111

Thank you much, and rest asured I intend to take every bit of your advice as I always consider it of much value. And from all who have much more experience than I do.
Thanks again!
Oh yea, I did put one of my three little new kekiis in the scoria, (not many pieces needed here. They are dendrobium
Loddigisii

I'm curious, the flower you have pictured here looks like Den aphyllum rather than loddigesii... did you just include that pic for our viewing pleasure, or is it actually labelled loddigesii?