Floppy Phal Leaves

[Shelley]

Hi All,

I repotted one of my phals about three weeks ago, and the leaves are now limp and floppy. I repotted into a slightly larger pot, in bark mixed with perlite (I tend to want to overwater, but only do it twice per week). It had three new roots growing when I repotted, and they seem to be fine. I also put a full-spectrum lamp over my phals about the same time as I repotted. Hmmm ... maybe that was too much at once.

In searching for an answer, I've come across possible reasons as being too much light or too little water.

Any suggestions?

A side note ... I just bought two more orchids, bringing my total to seven! I thought my husband was crazy when he brought me two orchids for my birthday, but now I've got the fever!

[caroline16]

LIGHTING
Orchids as prefer either an east or a lightly shaded south-facing window. West windows should be used with caution. Depending upon the location of the home, the west window may become very hot during the late spring through early fall. The foliage on the plants may burn.

TEMPERATURE
Provide nighttime temperatures 55 to 60oF and daytime temperatures 70 to 90oF. Plants can tolerate temperatures of up to 100oF, if shading, humidity and air circulation are increased.

WATERING
Depending upon the temperature, Orchids should be watered about once or twice a week. During the summer, the plants may need to be watered every 4-5 days.
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caroline16
cPanel®

[tuvoc]

Sounds to me like they need more water. Unlike some other orchids, phals do not like to dry out. The medium should be kept slightly moist all the times. And remember that new medium will dry out a lot faster than older medium. Keeping the huumidity higher will help too.

Kim

[RosieC]

Like Kim suggests, I noticed when I repotted mine that the bark dried out much quicker than the older back used to. You want to keep it moist enough but make sure it is not sodden and drains well.

If you have a clear pot you can use the root colour as an indicator of whether it needs watering. When the roots dry out they go grey, when they have enough water they are green or yellow. I water my Phals as soon as the roots go grey but don't water until then, usually this means watering about once a week but sometimes it may be longer or shorter depending on how warm and or humid the weather is.