Phalaenopsis Watering - Orchid Board

mmorehead · #1 05-30-2009, 11:58 AM

Okay, so I have read a couple of different watering methods for phals, and wanted to see which method you would recommend.

Some say that misting once or twice per week will suffice while others say to immerse the plant and allow it dry out between waterings; twice weekly in summer and once in winter. I've only had these phals for five weeks, and intitially placed ice cubes on the media once per week. I found an article warning against the ice, thus resulting in just a thorough watering once every week. Should I continue this methodolgy, or should I water more or less frequently?

Also, I'm getting ready (researching) to re-pot my first two phals in order get them out of sphagmum moss. They will be placed in Miracle Grow Orchid Mix. Any re-potting tips would be most welcomed.

I appreciate you taking the time to help a newbie. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

__________
Michael

quietmorning · #2 05-30-2009, 12:22 PM

I don't mist my phals, they tend to rot that way. I do place them over a 'rock bed' with water with a plate between the open pot and the rock bed. This keeps the humidity surrounding the orchid at a higher level than the rest of the house. When the bark soil is 'nearly' dry (I don't let my phal completely dry out, it begins to wilt and starts looking stressed) - for my environment - about once a week, sometimes a day sooner - I place the orchid in a dishpan and water it with tepid water - not warm, but not chilled, either - and let the dishpan fill - then time it five minutes, take it out and let it drain thoroughly.

The only time I wet the leaves is when I'm feeding - but I've seen the term 'weekly and weakly' here several times, so I may change my feeding routine.

The phals I have had have done very well with this routine, so far.

RosieC · #3 05-30-2009, 01:48 PM

Misting is not a good idea for Phals. As quietmorning said it can cause rot if water sits in the crown and I don't think they would get enough water that way anyway.

Water by either soaking the medium in a pot of water for 20min or so, or by running luke warm water through the medium.

Whichever method you use you should be careful not to get too much water in the crown (use a bit of paper towel to dry it off if you get water in the crown).

You should also ensure that after a thorough soaking of the medium you let it drain well. Don't leave the pot sitting in water.

Do you have a clear pot?

If so you should look at the colour of the roots. If they are green then it is not time to water yet. When they are silver all the way down at the bottom then it is time to water again.

If the pot is not clear then another method is to use a wooden skewer pushed in to the medium. Pull it out and if it is damp or cold on your cheek then it is not time to water yet. Push it back in to the same hole each time so that you don't damage the roots.

Don't water on a set schedule, water when it needs it instead. This may vary week to week as your weather changes. How often you water will also depend on the medium you are using. Moss stays wetter longer than bark.

RosieC · #4 05-30-2009, 02:04 PM

Be warned about Miracle Grow potting mix.

I've heard lots of people say that it's terrible others that they like it. I've just read in this thread that there are two types.

Paper towel issue....

One is intended for ground growing orchids and this is NOT good for Phals.

If the potting mix is like big chunks of bark then use it. If it is like soil then don't use it for your Phal.

quietmorning · #5 05-30-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

Water by either soaking the medium in a pot of water for 20min or so, or by running luke warm water through the medium.

I think I might start doing this for twenty minutes - I did this the last time I watered (by accident) the phal I currently have, and it seemed to really do a lot better during the week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

Whichever method you use you should be careful not to get too much water in the crown (use a bit of paper towel to dry it off if you get water in the crown).

I accidently got water in the crown today when I watered, and the paper towel wasn't getting into the crevice enough for me to stop worrying about it, so I tried a Q-tip - worked like a charm!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

Do you have a clear pot?

If so you should look at the colour of the roots. If they are green then it is not time to water yet. When they are silver all the way down at the bottom then it is time to water again.

I've always been afraid to put a phal into a clear plastic container - I've been told the plastic prevents them from drying well. Have you had this experience at all?

I told my husband about looking at the roots - he's wanting to make me some glass orchid pots. I asked him to make me a clear glass pot to see how that turns out. . .I'd love to be able to see the roots - I'm sure it would take a lot of the 'worry' out of watering!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

If the pot is not clear then another method is to use a wooden skewer pushed in to the medium. Pull it out and if it is damp or cold on your cheek then it is not time to water yet. Push it back in to the same hole each time so that you don't damage the roots.

Don't water on a set schedule, water when it needs it instead. This may vary week to week as your weather changes. How often you water will also depend on the medium you are using. Moss stays wetter longer than bark.

I've always wondered how people tell whether the orchid needs to be watered or not. I tried sticking my finger into the mix and couldn't tell anything. Thanks for this - I'll start using the wood. Great idea!

RosieC · #6 05-30-2009, 02:18 PM

I use plastic pots with no trouble, but then I also use bark which dries easier than moss.

I think some people cut slits in the sides of the pot to help ventilation, I've not needed it with my enviroment and with bark.

Pilot · #7 05-30-2009, 02:23 PM

You may want to read up on using the semi-hydroponic method if your phals are currently growing new roots. I have all my phals in this set up and they are performing very well.

Blondie · #8 06-01-2009, 05:51 PM

I have a ton of phals. I buy bark potting mix in bags from vendors like Oak Hill Gardens or Hausermann's. Then I do all the repotting all at once.

I water all of my phals once a week by running them under the tap and then putting them back after they stop dripping. If a lot of water gets in the crown, I wipe it out with a paper towel, but it usually evaporates on its own by the end of the day. Good luck!!