Re: Balden's Kaleidoscope Concern - Orchid Board

Pilot · #1 07-15-2009, 02:37 PM

I'm a bit concerned over my Balden's Kaleidoscope phal... it has a new leaf and loads of new roots growing, yet the other 4 leaves are quickly withering/wrinkling. It only has the new one and the next one down that look ok and even the next one down doesn't look great. I'm not sure what its problem is. No one else is complaining! (All the other phals are growing like weeds) I think it may have an issue with the sun it does get... its a really dark phal... deep green and deep red. All of the plants are warm to the touch when the sun is hitting them and its likely Balden gets extra warm in that sun. So I've begun misting its new roots and the other roots that are exposed (but continue into the hydro) just in case it needs an extra drink.

It gets watered, since its so warm these days, at least twice a week and the phal, as are all others, is in s/h. I'm in Colorado where it is often very low humidity and the hydroton dries out quickly. I bet at any given time the top third of the hydroton is bone dry. Because it has been warm lately (the room stays in the 80's, 70's at night), I've kept a gentle breeze going with a fan, and have misted the top of the hydroton and any exposed roots twice a day.

The decline of the withering leaves is much faster than I've seen with my other phals. Everyone is slowly getting rid of a bottom leaf but not this fast.

Having checked for bugs, i find nothing and though it has several older roots, it has probably doubled its roots with the new ones.

Is this cause for concern? Thanks for your input. I should also mention when I received this plant, it had two crowns... the newer looking one (it is higher up on the "stem") has actively grown a new leaf, the other crown shows so signs of a new leaf. I believe it suffered damage and simply grew out in a different crown. The general health of the plant at that time looked great and still does, with the exception of the 4 withering leaves (leaving only two normal and healthy looking leaves).

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 07-15-2009, 02:42 PM

You'd get a faster answer with a pic. Got any?

Pilot · #3 07-15-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

You'd get a faster answer with a pic. Got any?

I'll take one, King of Orchids, but I am at work currently.

Just wanted to get the post out there!

Ok back to work....

Ray · #4 07-16-2009, 10:05 AM

How long has it been in s/h culture?
What was it growing in before that?
How extensive was the root system when transplanted?

Obviously, I'm focusing on the condition of the roots, as that's the most likely issue. Have you pulled the plant and looked at them?

Pilot · #5 07-16-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

How long has it been in s/h culture?
What was it growing in before that?
How extensive was the root system when transplanted?

Obviously, I'm focusing on the condition of the roots, as that's the most likely issue. Have you pulled the plant and looked at them?

Hi Ray--

Your answers:

-Its been in S/H culture since I got it (it was actively growing new roots) since about April
-It was growing in sphag
-It is a smaller plant-- had not yet bloomed but had root system I would think is appropriate for its size-- maybe 8-10 individual roots of various length and no rot.

I took the wife and in-laws to a movie last night and didn't get a photo but hope to soon. Thanks!

Pilot · #6 07-16-2009, 11:32 PM

Here are the photos--

Pilot · #7 07-18-2009, 08:52 AM

Zoi2 · #8 07-18-2009, 11:43 PM

Have you pulled the plant out of the leca to check the roots? I had a similar problem with my Kaleidoscope and by the time I actually pulled it out there were really no roots left. I had a pretty heavy build up of either salt or fertilizer crystals. Apparently I did not flush the pot with plain water as often as that plant needed.
Joann

Pilot · #9 07-19-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Have you pulled the plant out of the leca to check the roots? I had a similar problem with my Kaleidoscope and by the time I actually pulled it out there were really no roots left. I had a pretty heavy build up of either salt or fertilizer crystals. Apparently I did not flush the pot with plain water as often as that plant needed.
Joann

Hi Joann--

Well I peaked! But couldn't find anything to suggest fert salts, at all. All the roots seem to be ok. I'm beginning to think my issue with allmy phals is underwatering and too much sun. They are in an east window and when the sun hits them it is pretty intense and the plants are noticeably warm to the touch. Do you think that could be it?

Zoi2 · #10 07-19-2009, 12:35 PM

Ryan, you may be right about the sun on your phals. Most of mine are in an East bay window and get pretty good light, but are not noticeably warm to the touch. My kaleidoscope was apparently more sensitive than my other phals and your's may be too. Have you tried watering it more frequently and maybe moving it behind another plant so it gets a bit more shade? I'm glad you checked the roots...I wish I had done that sooner.
Joann