Phalaenopsis Problem, I think...

[fturner]

I am new to the Orchid hobby but I LOVE my plants. My boyfriend just purchased the 2nd one 2 months ago for me! But here is the problem, I am not sure what the Phap is doing.

She was in full bloom when I got her in 2009 and lost her blooms about a month after I received her. She has been hearty, with a slight mishap of sun burn and lost leaf but she has grown 2 leaves and I trimmed off her spikes as informed a few months after blooming.

So, the new problem is, I am not sure if these are new spikes or roots or a problem. Any help?


Thank you!

[Izzie]

Those are roots, good job!
Have you repotted her since you got her? Now would be a great time with those new roots starting.

[Izzie]

btw, welcome to the board!

[Rosiefuture]

Hi, I'm new to Phals myself but I'd say the four at the front are new roots. In the last pic I'm not sure if the two on the right are new growths.

I'm sure someone who knows what they are talking about will come along soon.

Marion

[Izzie]

Those two on the right are also roots.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

They're all new roots.

BTW, the Spanish Moss is probably not the best kind of potting media for these.

Spanish Moss is not real moss. It's another species of epiphyte (tree dwelling plant). It's a species of bromeliad (yes, they're related to pineapples), Tillandsia usneoides.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I stand corrected. The Spanish Moss is just top dressing on top of bark.

Oops.

[fturner]

Thanks so much! Happy to hear! When the weather gets a little warmer I will take her out and repot her.

I don't have her in Spanish Moss, it was just an over the soil decoration when I got them so I kept them but they are becoming more and more a pain.

What is the best soil/mixture to place her in? I have read that picking up a bag or Orchid mix with plant food already combined is best but I would like other suggestions.

I repotted her once before last summer. Should I still do it again and trim off the dead roots? I also have a dehydrated leaf, should I keep it or cut it off?

THANKS so much for the advice! I cannot wait for her to eventually bloom again.

[Izzie]

Let the leaf dry naturally- so the plant can take nutrients from it. Then you can remove it.

The medium you use really depends on your watering habits and growing conditions.

[Rosiefuture]

There! Two people who know what they are talking about! I'm just dipping my toe into the water with Phal's and learning so much from this board.

Thanks
Marion