Phalaenopsis' in North window, is that okay?

[reynins]

Hi, I am kinda new to growing them. I got one about 4 months ago and it has already lost all flowers and the stem is all yellow. My questions are, Do I need artificial light or something that will help? Do I need a humidifier to keep humidity up? oh yeah and I live in Winnipeg so we don't have summer very long.

Thanks
Also, I bought 2 more yesterday! I don't want to kill them.

[WhiteRabbit]

Hi!
I have a Phal growing in a north window - currently has two spikes - I don't know how much difference a locations latitude may or may not effect the amount of light a north window gets.
In winter (I know it's cooooold in the 'Peg ) your home may be quite dry, so I'm not sure about increasing humidity - hopefully some others will be able to advise you there.

Welcome!

[Izzie]

Your plant will generally tell you if it's happy. As far as the North window- if the leaves are a very dark green, it is not getting enough light. Some phal leaves are darker than others, but generally a color similar to the skin of a lime, and nice firm leaves, are a good sign.

When your plant appears to be sick, you should almost always check the roots first- see if they are green and firm, not rotted.

As to your flowers dropping- how long was the phal in bloom? If it's been four months, its probably just ending it's cycle. If that is the case, don't worry about the dropping blooms, or the yellowing spike. Not all spikes will stay green after they're done blooming, dying back is just fine- you can cut it with a sterile blade as close to the base as you can.

[reynins]

Thank you!=) I have seen a couple of the roots and they are white. Is that rotting?

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by reynins

Thank you!=) I have seen a couple of the roots and they are white. Is that rotting?

Nope! That's just fine, normal. Are they still pretty smooth? If they're kind of a silvery color- they want water. Not in dire need, just wanting water. A good rule of thumb is to pick up the pot and look at the roots (hopefully you have a clear pot?), and if they're silvery, it's time to water.

[Tindomul]

White and bright green are good, dark, brown, or black is bad. If they are mushy they are rotted. If you have a east window, I would move it, but otherwise it should be fine. I find that Phals are really tolerant of low humidity as long as you keep them well watered. But don't over water, they do like to be in substrate that is moist, not wet. If it stays dripping wet it will rot the roots in the pot and the plant will die.

[WhiteRabbit]

no white and green roots are good! rotting roots will be soft and mushy - brown. Sometimes roots will 'stain' from the media and appear a brownish color. But if they are firm, they are good.