The Phal abuse ends here.

[Ordphien]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

Helpful; thanks!

No problem.

[silken]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

Do you purchase your mix or make it yourself?

I mix my own as well. I just eyeball it as far as portions are concerned.

[pillarG]

Hey guys! I am very new to orchids and need your advice! I have a little Phal. which was potted in moss in a clear pot and when I saw some hairy white fungi on its roots, I cut out the bad and black roots and repotted in bark. This was about a week ago, but now I notice that all the roots are black at their bases. Plus, although the leaves are fine and there is a new one growing fast, I haven't seen any new roots since I got it in November. Is there something very wrong with its root system? ( There are not many healthy roots now ) Thanks alot!

[Becka]

I have a Phal that I have had for a little over a year. It was in a mix that closely resembled potting mix (w/ more bark). After doing some research I repotted it in a New Zealand sphagnum moss/monterey bark/cork/sponge rock/hydro leca mix. During the re-pot I noticed several dead or rotten roots. I clipped those and potted my phal in a 4" clear plastic pot.

My phal developed a spike off of the old spike within a few days of the re-potting but I am worried that the changes and the root condition is going to hurt its growth/bloom.

What can I do to prevent this and re-grow some new, healthy roots fast? I water when needed (7-10 days) with a weak mix of MSU Feed Me.

[Ordphien]

Originally Posted by pillarG

Hey guys! I am very new to orchids and need your advice! I have a little Phal. which was potted in moss in a clear pot and when I saw some hairy white fungi on its roots, I cut out the bad and black roots and repotted in bark. This was about a week ago, but now I notice that all the roots are black at their bases. Plus, although the leaves are fine and there is a new one growing fast, I haven't seen any new roots since I got it in November. Is there something very wrong with its root system? ( There are not many healthy roots now ) Thanks alot!

Hmm... pictures are always helpful.
But it kind of sound like they got too wet after the trim.

And none of my phals grow roots until spring.

[Ordphien]

Originally Posted by Becka

I have a Phal that I have had for a little over a year. It was in a mix that closely resembled potting mix (w/ more bark). After doing some research I repotted it in a New Zealand sphagnum moss/monterey bark/cork/sponge rock/hydro leca mix. During the re-pot I noticed several dead or rotten roots. I clipped those and potted my phal in a 4" clear plastic pot.

My phal developed a spike off of the old spike within a few days of the re-potting but I am worried that the changes and the root condition is going to hurt its growth/bloom.

What can I do to prevent this and re-grow some new, healthy roots fast? I water when needed (7-10 days) with a weak mix of MSU Feed Me.

Well... your phal sounds healthy enough to support the spike.
But if you're concerned simple trim it off all it can concentrate on roots and leaves.

[gingersmommy]

I ordered smaller, clear pots and new medium to get my orchids out of that Miracle Grow "dirt." That really irks me, however, I digress.

A few questions, how deep should i pot them - i.e. should the main "stem" and leaves be well above the medium? Should I cut all of the shriveled, brown roots - even if they aren't "rotten." (My plants appear healthy, but last time I repotted them, there really aren't that many great roots.)
Lastly, when I water, I flush them really well with tap water and then finish with 1/4 strength fertilized water that has been sitting out for several days. Is tap water okay? I have so many of them now that I wouldn't be able to set aside enough water to flush and water them. Thank you.

[silken]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

I ordered smaller, clear pots and new medium to get my orchids out of that Miracle Grow "dirt." That really irks me, however, I digress.

A few questions, how deep should i pot them - i.e. should the main "stem" and leaves be well above the medium? Should I cut all of the shriveled, brown roots - even if they aren't "rotten." (My plants appear healthy, but last time I repotted them, there really aren't that many great roots.)
Lastly, when I water, I flush them really well with tap water and then finish with 1/4 strength fertilized water that has been sitting out for several days. Is tap water okay? I have so many of them now that I wouldn't be able to set aside enough water to flush and water them. Thank you.

Try and pot them to the depth they were when you got them. Basically the leaves should be above the media but any trunk with roots can be in the media. However if there are a few air roots above the media that is fine too. If the roots aren't hollow or mushy I would leave them on. They might be alive but dehydrated and will help to anchor your plant in the new media. I find Phals aren't so picky about water compared to some other orchids. Everyone's tap water is different so I can't really say about yours. For sure don't use it if you use a salt based water softener. Otherwise it is likely OK. If it is high in pH and minerals it would be a good idea to try and collect some rain water but not everyone can do that. I find Phals really respond to adding a bit of seaweed (kelp) to the fert water as it stimulates root growth. This can usually be found at hydroponics places. They seem to like clear pots too as their roots can photosynthesize. Good luck!

[gingersmommy]

Great; I am ready to get started as soon as my stuff arrives. I will pick up some seaweed, too. Do you use that in place of or in addition to orchid fertilizer (like Shutts)?

[Ordphien]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

Great; I am ready to get started as soon as my stuff arrives. I will pick up some seaweed, too. Do you use that in place of or in addition to orchid fertilizer (like Shutts)?

You use it separately from fertiliser.