I need some help-- watering and Phals

[jkofferdahl]

A Phal. in bloom would have to be considered active. Once the blooms fade, and if no new leaf is being produced, then it's inactive.

[Sandy4453]

I don't know that Phals (really) have a rest period. Even though most spike once a year, they're always in some sort of growth cycle. From about December through March, they're initiating spikes, growing buds and blooming...the blooms usually last 3-4 months (some, longer). After this is when I usually see more leaf growth (though, this goes on throughout the year, even when in bloom) and by September, they're getting ready to start the cycle all over again. So, maybe then is when they're resting?

Depending on what you've got your Phal in (in your case, bark), the size of the pot and the root mass, will give an indication to how often you should be watering. Also, with warmer temps approaching now, will also play a factor in how often you should be watering. I have mine primarily in bark mix with a lot a spagh. mixed, CHC and a good amount of sponge rock. Winter, they get watered about every 10 days, this time of year they get watered every 7 days and by June, they'll be getting watered about every 5-7 days.

Make sure your Phals are in orchid pots (plastic or clay...lots of holes) and to put either, styrofoam peanuts or cork at the bottom of the pots to allow for good draining. You can always use the wooden barbeque skewers found at the supermarkets as a gauge to how wet the medium is in the centers of the pots.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

I don't know that Phals (really) have a rest period. Even though most spike once a year, they're always in some sort of growth cycle. From about December through March, they're initiating spikes, growing buds and blooming...the blooms usually last 3-4 months (some, longer). After this is when I usually see more leaf growth (though, this goes on throughout the year, even when in bloom) and by September, they're getting ready to start the cycle all over again. So, maybe then is when they're resting?

Depending on what you've got your Phal in (in your case, bark), the size of the pot and the root mass, will give an indication to how often you should be watering. Also, with warmer temps approaching now, will also play a factor in how often you should be watering. I have mine primarily in bark mix with a lot a spagh. mixed, CHC and a good amount of sponge rock. Winter, they get watered about every 10 days, this time of year they get watered every 7 days and by June, they'll be getting watered about every 5-7 days.

Make sure your Phals are in orchid pots (plastic or clay...lots of holes) and to put either, styrofoam peanuts or cork at the bottom of the pots to allow for good draining. You can always use the wooden barbeque skewers found at the supermarkets as a gauge to how wet the medium is in the centers of the pots.

Hi Sandy--

Thanks for the advice. My plants are in clear plastic pots slipped into clay pots as they are "on display" and tend to be top heavy. The medium I use for potting is an orchid mix made by a local garden center near me-- it is bark, large perlite bits and charcoal. I think that is all there is. There are holes on the bottom of the pots but not on the sides and when I do water the water drains quickly and freely. Do you think I need more holes than those I have on the bottom? It has been a week since I watered and I think I'm just being over-protective of them. I think they will be closer to a 10 day watering cycle (though I know I'm not to be on a set schedule, I like to ball park it).

I guess what it will really take is experience. I have a Phal Species as well-- it is not in spike-- and I felt it needed watering today though I didn't water the rest of my plants. So I'll just keep an eye out for them.

I honestly think that despite my desert-like town, my efforts to provide decent humidity has paid off. I have loads of amaryllis bulbs and other plants that can no go much longer between waterings than before when I didn't have my humidifier.

I think I'm just a concerned parent. God help me when my first kiddo arrives in July!

[Sandy4453]

Ryan, it sounds like you're doing everything right.

As long as the holes are around the bottom of the pots, you're safe and you don't necessarily need the slit holes on the sides. I don't use the slit sided pots for my Phals...those dry way too fast for them. I keep all mine in plastic which are in clay pots too for aesthetics and yes, for balance.

Phals are just a tad tricky. You don't want the medium to totally dry, you want them to slowly dry enough and when they're almost dry, is when you want to water up! And the old addage with these is, when in doubt, wait a day more. Better they're dry than not ready for more water. I keep on a regular schedule for all my Phals that are in the same medium, always. The species need more precision, less room for forgiveness with these.

Keep doing what you're doing. It sounds safe!

And, Congratulations on your new little baby, soon to arrive!!!!!