Phal. Equestris Struggling - Orchid Board

mayoo-k · #1 07-25-2008, 07:34 PM

Hi Everyone,

I am having a few problems with my phal. Equestris. I am VERY new to orchids, this is my third, i have had one white phal which died, my second is a black jack and touch wood is doing really well. Last month I bought the Equestris, and now the leaves are drooping, most of the flowers have droped, the roots are very white, but NOT grey, a few have gone mushy, so i have cut them off, it faces a easterly window, which gets a good breeze and only morning sun light.

Is there any thing I can do so revive it. I am more looking forward to reaping the benefits for when it flowers again next year if possible.

Thanks.
Mayoo

cb977 · #2 07-25-2008, 07:37 PM

Hi Mayoo

Welcome to Orchidboard

How are you growing the plant? is it potted or mounted? If potted...in what? It would help to have a picture. Could you post one for us?

I have a few Phal equestris and I grow them either mounted or in a basket with sphag, which is then hung sideways so it's like a plaque. I give mine pretty bright very indirect light and they seem to be doing well.

If you need help in posting a picture, let us know. Everybody here is very willing to help

Once we figure out how to get the plant healthy, it will start not only blooming but putting out keikis on the bloom spikes! Phal equestris is by far my favorite Phal.

mayoo-k · #3 07-25-2008, 07:58 PM

it is currently growing in a pot, i unfortunatly dont have a picture currently, but the second I get a chance I will take one when i get hold of my brothers digital camera.

What i did notice on the roots when i was cutting the dieing ones was that there were several roots that were white and very shrivelled and very firm? is this a good sign?

Do you think i should mount the Equestris? if so how and when? my current main worry are the leaves drooping as this was the first sign that I saw when my first orchid died.

Also Just want to say thank you for your time and advice, I'm so amazed at how nice and friendly everyone is on here!!!

Thanks again,
Mayoo

cb977 · #4 07-25-2008, 08:06 PM

You're welcome

We all have plenty to learn and here at OB we love sharing that with each other.

here's a picture showing some of my Phals, either mounted or in baskets hung on their sides. Notice they are hung upside-down or at an angle, this allows for any water that may get into the crown at the top to run off before it causes crown rot.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...571&ppuser=293

If you do a search here at OB for Phal equestris, you'll find lots of information. Many of our members grow them.

Chubidubi · #5 07-25-2008, 08:17 PM

Mayoo

mayoo-k · #6 07-25-2008, 08:19 PM

your phals look really healthy compared to mine!!! the leaves are so tight and held together whereas mine are so droopy. just out of curiousity how do i mount a phal on say a grapewood or cork?

Thanks,
Mayoo

cb977 · #7 07-25-2008, 08:23 PM

We recently had an awesome photo-lesson on mounting orchids...check out this thread:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...t-orchids.html

John (webfeet101) did a fantastic job in showing us how it's done

purplegirl · #8 01-05-2009, 12:03 AM

Hey, Mayoo-K! I bought my tiny equestris orchid last summer. It's mounted on a litle piece of cork. When I water it, I do so thoroughly, and keep it sheltered, but in a southern window. When the flowers wilted and fell off, there was a small keiki on the end of the spike. Maybe the eastern exposure isn't the best..could a keiki be coming?

cb977 · #9 01-05-2009, 08:17 AM

Phal equestris is known to produce keiki on their spikes.
I never cut the old spikes off the equestris plants I have unless it is dried up like a twig.

If you do have a keiki growing, let the roots get to 2-3" long and then you can carefully remove it and put it on it's own mount...new plant! YAY!