New Phal

[Bospen]

Hey everyone,

So, my last phal died. Not to be deterred, I got a new one today. Immediately, I took it out of the plastic pot it was in and washed off the potting medium. I then repotted it in phal mix in an orchid pot and set it in indirect sunlight. What else do I need to do to insure it will thrive?? Thanks!

[mayres]

Have you reviewed a good culture sheet - if not try this link - AOS | Phalaenopsis
Have you determined WHY your previous phal died?

[Bospen]

Thanks,

Not sure why the first one died, I think the roots may have stood in moist media too long, I didnt repot it after I got it. Also, I think it didnt get enough sun. The leaves just turned kinda yellow, and literally fell off the plant.

[betwixtimes]

turning yellow and falling off, could be due to light or lack of water (which if you don't water it enough---or if it's watered too much, the roots will rot). Did the leaves wrinkle?

[Bospen]

Yeah, the leaves wrinkled a little.

[betwixtimes]

Yeah, from what I understand that's a water issue. Too much or too little---the roots weren't able to absorb water.

When you repotted, did you soak the medium? If not, it won't retain water as well as some medium which (like when you buy them from the store) have broken down some. So be sure to check for moisture. Also if you feel you've over watered it, you can use a fan to try and help keep airflow.

[mayres]

The most common reason phals are killed by newbies is overwatering. Wrinkly leaves means either too much or too little water - most commonly due to root loss associated with overwatering. They should never sit in water. Depending upon where you live, if cool they may need less frequent watering than you gave it. Repotting immediately was a GREAT idea IMHO. I do the same with all my phals - even if purchased from a reputable company. Now you will know going forward any damage was caused by your own culture and not from someone else. If you repotted in bark did you presoak the bark? Some less than ideal bark has a difficult time (especially initially) retaining moisture - and you may need to soak/water pot/media/roots and all for the first few weeks or months in order to get adequate moisture to stay inside. If you are using bark a common average frequency might be weekly in a temperate climate. I use coir for all my phals and depending upon the time of year and size of pot/plant I might go from 1-4 weeks between waterings.

[Bospen]

Thanks,

The reason I didn't soak the medium is the plant was drenched when I got it...completely soaking wet. I didnt want it to die from overwatering. Should I soak the pot/medium anyway?

[Leisurely]

There is something that you can do with your bark mix that will preclude the need to soak it. Make a mix of 50% bark and 50% diatomite. The diatomite soaks up moisture like a sponge but is never wet or soggy. The mositure soaked up by the diatomite is distributed to the bark and/or the plants roots. It also prevents the bark from breaking down as fast and allows you to go for maybe another year without re-potting.

[Becca]

Jerry,

Doesn't the diatomite have a high chance of holding salts from fertilizers and running the risk of burning the roots over time, or would flushing it take care of that?