No Water for 2 Weeks, is this normal? - Orchid Board

annehylee · #1 03-12-2009, 01:53 PM

So I realized that I've been watering my orchids too often only after having some root rots

and getting some great diagnosis from OB senior members

So I have a pink phal that finished blooming and I cut the spike all the way down to about 1/2" from the bottom... And this one being in a clear pot, I've been advised that I should wait until the roots turn silvery before watering it again... WELL, it's now been 2 weeks since I last watered it and when I looked at the roots yesterday, it was still green

Is this normal???

And when should I expect for this one to be in bloom again?

Ross · #2 03-12-2009, 03:06 PM

That isn't typical, but understandable if the medium is breaking down. It is holding too much water. You might consider repotting into same pot, but with fresh bark (or whatever medium you are using.) Normally the roots would dry out in less than a week if the plant is healthy.

As for bloom, just watch for a new spike. I like to see a new leaf before a new spike forms. I feel it's better for the plant.

RosieC · #3 03-12-2009, 04:25 PM

Mine would typically be silver in 2 weeks but I've had them go longer, it's tended to depend on weather at the time. Currently mine are silver in about 12 days and I wait 14 to water again, in the summer that will go down and I will water more frequently.

I think Ross is right that it could indicate the medium is broken down and thus holding the moisture too long. It's something worth checking.

What medium do you use?

camille1585 · #4 03-12-2009, 04:49 PM

I agree with the comment about it possibly being due to the medium. But it also largely depends on the temperature and humidity of the room you keep them in. The longest my phals have gone without watering in the winter is about 8-9 days. In the summer I'm watering every 3-5 days.
If you're medium is fairly fresh and the plants seem in good health, then 2 weeks may just be the norm for your plants, in your conditions.

WhiteRabbit · #5 03-12-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

I agree with the comment about it possibly being due to the medium. But it also largely depends on the temperature and humidity of the room you keep them in. The longest my phals have gone without watering in the winter is about 8-9 days. In the summer I'm watering every 3-5 days.
If you're medium is fairly fresh and the plants seem in good health, then 2 weeks may just be the norm for your plants, in your conditions.

We have been having cool damp weather and many of my plants do not need water for a couple weeks - of course I started using cocohusk chips a few months back and it stays moist for quite some time right now. Plants in south window dry out a bit faster - but the larger pots still go more than a week.
That being said - if you haven't repotted in a couple of years couldn't hurt to do it now ?

annehylee · #6 03-12-2009, 06:59 PM

once again... OB members are the best!!!!! Lol..
This one was repotted in October. I use bark... Does it usually need repotting this quickly?? I'm in Toronto, and it's been pretty chilly here.. Today is like -10 degrees celcius... =(
Plus, my orchids are by the west window... Sun filters through a sheer curtain...

annehylee · #7 03-12-2009, 07:00 PM

once again... OB members are the best!!!!! Lol..
This one was repotted in October. I use bark... Does it usually need repotting this quickly?? I'm in Toronto, and it's been pretty chilly here.. Today is like -10 degrees celcius... =(
Plus, my orchids are by the west window... Sun filters through a sheer curtain...

cabbo · #8 03-12-2009, 07:04 PM

If you repotted in Oct. it should be fine. It sounds like its just your conditions.

Ray · #9 03-12-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annehylee

So I realized that I've been watering my orchids too often only after having some root rots ...

Root rot is NOT caused by water. It is most often caused by suffocation of the roots due to too dense packing of a potting medium. Water can exacerbate that by being held in the spaced between medium particles, but is not the cause all by itself.

Sometimes growing a plant to cold can lead to root damage, too.

Don't forget that healthy roots won't rot. They have to die first.

camille1585 · #10 03-12-2009, 07:13 PM

Sounds fine then! If it aint broke, don't fix it.

-10°C?!? That's freaking cold! Looks like you're not going to be seeing any spring weather any time soon....