Phalaenopsis "Pandora's Box" losing leaves but still has plenty of roots.

[jood]

Hi,
I'm pretty new to growing orchids. I got my first one about 3 years ago and am proud of myself for keeping it alive this long!

I got this second orchid about 8 or 9 months ago. When I bought it it had 2 flower spikes in full bloom. The variety is "Pandora's Box". It's potted in bark chips.

It stopped flowering about 2 months ago. I waited until last week to cut off the flower spikes after they had dried up.


The plant has recently been dropping leaves from the bottom. I have lost a total of 3 leaves and there's no sign of new growth. The 4th leaf looks like it's about to drop any day. It's typical of how the others went, first drooping, then some yellowing close to the main stalk but dropping off before the whole leaf turns yellow.

I thought this might be root rot but it looks like it has plenty of good green roots.

The plant has been fed with diluted plant food probably 4 times since I've had it. It's kept at room temperature at about 18C most of the time. My first orchid (also a phal.) is in the same environment, getting watered at the same time etc. and is thriving so I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong with this one.
I'm in northern Scotland... do you think a lack of light could be the problem?

Thanks for reading.

[trdyl]

While it is normal to occasionally drop leaves. That many is a short time is not normal. How often do you water? Is it in about a 10cm pot?

[jood]

Yep, it's a 10cm pot. I water it around once a week... generally when it looks dry.

[trdyl]

I think you need to give it more water possibly twice a week. Phals do not like to completely dry out between waterings.

[Erce]

use a woodstick, sometimes bark looks dry, but hold lots of lots of water

[jood]

I usually check to see if there's condensation in the pot to avoid over watering.

Does it seem like I've been too cautious and should water more often?

[Erce]

i grow all my phal in spag, so cant help you there

[trdyl]

Granted everyone's growing condition differ. In my experience with bark mixes I have only been able to get away with watering Phals once a week if they were in 13 to 17cm pots. 10cm pots I have had to water 2 or more times a week even in winter. But if you use a toothpick or a wooden stick stuck in the middle of the pot and it comes out damp don't water. If it comes out almost dry then it is time to water.

[jood]

Great, thanks for the advice.
Fingers crossed it will recover.

[mojomick]

Did you really mean that you have fertilized it only 4 times since you got it? If so, I might suggest you fertilize weekly weakly. The plants get no nutrition from the bark or moss so need it. I use a 1/2 strength solution once per week and plain water in between if necessary.