To mount, or not to mount? Phals

[8corneflakes]

I am new here and am hoping to get some great info on my Phals. I purchase a couple from Ikea every year and usually kill them by the time I go to Ikea again. This year, I managed to keep them alive.

Currently, I have four phals. Two are blooming (for a second time) and the other two bloomed only once so far and show no signs of reblooming. They are heathy looking but without spikes. They are all between one and two years old.

They are in their original orange plastic pots in moss which I placed in ceramic pots to match the decor. When the moss feels dry and crunchy, I fill the sink, and submerge them in the water until the moss is moist and dark again.

After not seeing any results, I moved the plants to a west facing window in my warm bedroom where one plant promptly grew one spike. Another produced three spikes. Then, my son (one of six kids) broke off a spike. Two weeks later, my daughter broke off a spike. I now have two blooming plants with one spike each.

Several questions:
1. What, if anything am I doing right or wrong? BE BRUTIALY HONEST!

2. When should I repot?

3. can they be repotted when flowering?

4. should I repot in bark? if so, what exactly do I buy and where?

5. should I mount it? this would be an attempt to keep it away from tiny fingers. Also, I like the dramatic look of a mounted orchid. If so, how exactly is this done and where do I purchase the needed supplies?

6. Should I give my kids away in exchange for beautiful orchids?

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the Orchid Board.
Are you able to post pictues of your plants? That always helps in answering your questions.
There is also a ton of information on this board regarding phals, their care, potting and mounting.
Sorry, I can't help with the kid exchange
Joann

[nutgirl]

Welcome and Hello,

1. Good for you on your orchids....sounds like you're getting the hang of them. West window is OK as long as the sunlight is not too intense. You may need to shade them in the summer.

2. Phals are more forgiving about the time of repotting than some orchids but you can't miss during spring and summer when they are actively putting out roots.

3. Some will say not to repot when they're blooming but I've never had any problems doing it. It's better to repot than lose a plant to rot.

4. Bark is probably the easiest to find - Home improvement stores ie: Home Depot, Lowes, etc. The quality varies. Don't use Miracle Grow Orchid Potting material. There is a wide variety of
materials you can pot it and it often depends on your growing conditions. Lot's of info on the OB.

5. Phals love being mounted. You might try it with one of your plants and see how it goes for you. Plants need more frequent watering as they dry out faster.

Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to.

Maureen

[kaitala]

I'm just starting out, so can only say, good for you getting them to spike!

5. I don't know what's available in your area, but if you're looking for cork on which to mount, you can go to a local reptile show. They often sell cork bark pieces, and rounds, cheap, and you can pick out the exact piece you want, rather than ordering randomly from the internet.

6. If you find any takers for the kids, I have a 2yo I'm willing to trade, too! LOLOL

[SP2340]

If I CAN mount, I WILL mount! I love the look of a mounted orchid, you can see the roots, and when it blooms it looks twice as pretty.

[trdyl]

Welcome to OB!

Sphagnum is good as long as it is not packed tight and is allowed to dry out. It is more difficult to deal with larger plastic pots.

It is best to repot when there is new root growth but I have repotted phals even when blooming with out any ill effects.

Fir bark based mix is a good potting media for Phals espeacially for pot sizes 5 inches and over.

I really like the results of growing them in Semi-Hydroponics.

If you decide to mount the plant be prepared to water it daily to twice a day during hot weather.

If your interested in learning more about Semi-Hydroponics here is a good link.

All about Semi-Hydroponics

[8corneflakes]

Since I have four phals, I am going to mount one of them to see how it goes. Upon close inspection, I also need to repot the others with something else. They are currently VERY tightly packed with moss. Thank you everyone for the good advice.

[mspatt]

I only have one mounted orchid (can't handle watering every day or two) and it's a phal. It looks so great on the mount and has been in bloom since I bought it last June, but you should know--hope I'm not telling you something you already know--that they get mounted upsidedown,with the roots pointing to the ceiling. This is the way they grown in nature and it keeps water from collecting in the crown.

[8corneflakes]

Good to know! Actually, I need all the advice about mounting I can get. I have been researching here and there but it is great to get advice from people who have actually done it. Thanks!