Phalaenopsis dying

[Bospen]

Ok, one more question. My phal has lost its leaves, but, the roots still appear green and the stalk is still green. Can it survive without its leaves??

[Ross]

I'd like to add to the above replies: When I get an orchid that is in a clear plastic pot (inside the decor pot), I pull the plastic pot out and keep it. I can easily check on the status of the roots and mix that way. I usually repot right away into very coarse fir bark/charcoal mix so air can get to the roots. I find the pot dries out totally in 3-4 days, so I totally submerge the pot and simultaniously run fertilizer solution through the medium with a water can. Mine sit in a south window where the sun hits the roots. Phal roots tend to photosynthesize if given a chance. My Paphs are similar, except they aren,t in full sun (sort of "dappled shade".)

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Bospen

Can it survive without its leaves??

For a short time only. Hopefully with proper watering and care it will soon put out a new leaf. It doesn't have much stored energy, though.

[Bospen]

Hi all,

Thanks for your help. So, I decided to see if my phalaenopsis needed more light. I set it outside, in an area that would be shaded part of the day and in sun during the afternoon. I left it there for 4 days. Today, I look at it and it appears to have a green bud coming out of the stalk. I hope this is a good sign! What should I do now? Just leave it alone?? Thanks!