Water troubles

[fredch]

This is a cross-post. I need all the help that I can get.

I have two phals and an "unknown" that looks closely like a phal (same type leaf but darker with a mottled look). All have spikes and buds right now. I not new to orchids, but as you will see, I don't know a lot.

I usually just mist, but a friend takes care of them for two months inside in the summer. She has great orchids and waters them once a week.

The buds seem slow to open this time, but they look healthy so far. So today, I took them to the sink to fertilize them (never have done this before). I found all three were very wet and had water in the bottom of their outer pots. I doubt that my misting did this, but who knows? I fertilized and drained and will not mist or water until they are very dry (looks like that will be awhile). I don't want to repot until the blooms are here and gone. I hope these plants are not in the death throes and are blooming because of that.

Anyone with ideas? I would like some guidance.

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[littlefrog]

Are you dumping out that outer pot every time you water? At least you have identified a problem. If I were you, I'd water your plants at the sink every time, and make sure most if not all of the obvious dripping from the bottom of the pot stops before you put it back into its outer container. Since you only have three plants you can do this, and it gives you better control.

It is probably not the misting, unless you are misting a whole heck of a lot. Misting is overrated in my opinion, you could probably not do it at all and notice no difference. A heavy watering (lots of water flowing through the pot) whenever required (once a week, give or take a few days) is far better than daily small doses of water.

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[Oscarman]

You should be cautious about not watering them again until they get very dry, as Phalaenopsis have little water storage (except somewhat fleshy leaves).

How long were they in sitting in excess water in the second pot - root rot would be my concern, possibly compounded by the stress of flowering = demise.

They could be fine.....a quick check of the root system would be a good idea. White/tan and firm is a good thing, mushy and brown is bad.

[fredch]

Many thanks. I plan to do just as you say. Hope it isn't too late.