phalenopsis gigantea...did i plant it the right way?

[catasetum-ian]

hi everyone, i just got my first phalenopsis gigantea (gig) and in fact is my first phalenopsis. my climate here is hot and humid throughout the whole year
question one

1. read in the net that it may be mounted on log, planted in basket and so on....but i mounted mine on a giant piece of charcoal. appreciate for any feed backs.
and question number two

there are numerous black spots at the back of the leaves, i sprayed with fungicide all though i had no idea what is it, here are the pictures

[catasetum-ian]

in addition can i start spraying diluted coconut water, or should i wait for new root to form before i do that...thanks

[natasha]

hello fellow malaysian to ob!
congrats on your first phal and its a gigantea!!! i would want one but way too expensive for me... usually i see phal gigantea mounted on wood. i think charcoal might be too fragile for a gigantic plant when it grow up. the way i look you plant still small, but this species can grow BIG! you should ask the seller on the black spots. sometimes already been treated. i think it would be ok to spray the diluted coconut water to promote growth, but i honestly never try - but i know what is the function...does it really work???

[catasetum-ian]

thanks, couldn't resist the price...i think its cheap but condition of the plant my explain why. yeap u are right, its only a baby gigantea, the leaves are 5x2 inches, the smaller one is 3 by 1 1/2 inches, but there is a new emerging leave
the charcoal log is home made, i charred it so that outside is charcoal and inner part is still wood...hope it holds.....keeping my finger cross...hehe
about the coconut water, i dunno its just me or it really works, but i had seen my catasetum roots increase in size and length after using it twice...maybe coincidence but at least i know it does no harm....but on one bulbo that i am trying to revive no luck with the coconut water stuff yet
thanks for the feedback natasha, really appreciate it

[natasha]

hi... maybe i would try too look for babies too... but the old leaf will shed, so i think should be no problem later on the looks. i hope your log would not deteroriate fast... i would try the coconut water, but i think it would be tastier if fed to myself haha...
btw, where u live? i'm in pasir gudang, johor

[jkofferdahl]

Charcoal is used in potting so it should be OK - if a bit unconventional - for a Phal.

My guess is that the black spots are old damage from either insects or fungus, but nothing to worry about now. The new growth looks great.

[catasetum-ian]

thanks for the input jkofferdahl.
i am in serdang, selangor area natasha. well, coconut water is abundant here and cheap too, so me and my orchids got plenty to share

[natasha]

wow, that my old playground! my dad used to work in mardi there when i was a young child and i spend 5 years in uni there...
btw, i also use charcoal mix with sphag for my phals and they are doing well...

[catasetum-ian]

good to hear that your phals are doing well. well...what do you know...i spend 6 years in upm as well. hehe...