Phal question

[Leslie2934]

Ok, so I have a few small phals. And 2 large ones that the leaves are just limp. I water twice a week as it's very dry in here, I mist everyday and when I water one time it's straight water the other is with an african violet fertilizer. Am I not watering enough? Or maybe it's time for me to switch back to my orchid fertilizer. And input would be great. Thanks!

[Becky15349]

Hi Leslie! Several factors can contribute to phal leaves being limp:

1. Root problems...if the roots are bad, the plant cannot get water and the leaves will wilt
2. Too much sun
3. Lack of humidity
4. Age: The older the leaf, the more propensity it has to wilt.

Do any of these factors match what you are seeing with your phal? Which leaves are wilting? That will help us to correctly diagnose your problem.

Also, insure that you are following the correct "recipe" for healthy phals:

1. Medium-bright light (east or west window, no direct sun after noon)
2. Humidity between 50-80%
3. Air circulation - keep a fan nearby
4. Watering - depending on the media, 1x per week in the winter is generally sufficient, but again, depends on your environment also
5. Temperature: between 55-85 degrees F

Hope that helps!
~Becky

[mayres]

Is your media good sized bark? Even with a dry environment that sounds like a fair amount of watering. I'd agree with Becky - the number one issue with plants wilting is root issues. First thing I'd do is pull the plant(s) out of the pots and inspect the roots - it won't hurt a thing and will potentially tell you a lot about what is going on. How long has your current media been in use? Sometimes with new media it takes soaking it for awhile instead of just pouring water through as marginal quality bark takes some time to begin absorbing water instead of shedding it like rocks.

[cb977]

I agree with what's been said already but I have another question...

why are you using AV fertilizer instead of orchid fertilizers?

[Leslie2934]

Ok here goes, Yes they are not in direct sun. This particular one is a large one, that I "saved" from the grocery store it was not in the best condition, and the leaves were a little wilty. I noticed at the time that the potting medium was yucky and stinky so I repotted it. I also cut off all of the black roots. It was in spike at the time, I have had blooms and it still has 2 blooms left on it. It seemed to be doing well. I don't have much humidity therefore I spritz everyday. The temp is usually 69-70 degrees. And air circulation is good.

Susanne, the reason I have been using av fertilizer during the winter is I was told by Oak Hill not to use my orchid fertilizer (hausermans mix) during the winter as it was too much and to use the lighter av fertilizer. So that's what I've been doing.

[Leslie2934]

Oh and I wanted to add that as I was looking around for answers I found where someone had a similar problem with the wilty leaves and they were told to soak in a bucket for 30 minutes so I am doing this right now with the one I'm talking about above.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Leslie2934

Susanne, the reason I have been using av fertilizer during the winter is I was told by Oak Hill not to use my orchid fertilizer (hausermans mix) during the winter as it was too much and to use the lighter av fertilizer. So that's what I've been doing.

That's interesting...thanks for the info

[jkofferdahl]

Leslie, when you repotted the orchid did you soak the medium overnight first? It could be that the medium can't absorb water well enough if you didn't.

[Leslie2934]

I did soak the medium but it wasn't overnight.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by Leslie2934

I did soak the medium but it wasn't overnight.

How long did you soak it for?