The Phal abuse ends here.

[The Orchid Boy]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

It's very weird because honestly, the conditions are almost identical. They probably wish I would leave them alone - I check on them probably twice a day (like something's going to happen that I missed).

I do the same thing. Except I probably check on my orchids 10 times a day! I try not to touch them or move them much.

[Horses&Orchids]

Ok I'm at the point I need some help with this Phal that is yellowing. I've pulled it out of it's medium and checked all the roots. I don't see any that need to come off but I can't figure out why it's yellowing all of a sudden. I have another that is very limp and leathery feeling. I soak them for about 20 minutes and then watch till the roots turn silvery and then soak them again as needed. They were going like gang buster making new roots and each has a new leaf but all of a sudden they are going down hill? Any ideas???

[The Orchid Boy]

Too much water maybe? Not enough water?

[silken]

If the roots look good, are they getting too much sun now that summer is almost here.

[Horses&Orchids]

They do not get any direct sun in the north facing window that they are in. I have one other that is flowering and it looks very happy. Leaves are firm and green so not sure what is going on with these two all of a sudden.

[silken]

Originally Posted by Horses&Orchids

They do not get any direct sun in the north facing window that they are in. I have one other that is flowering and it looks very happy. Leaves are firm and green so not sure what is going on with these two all of a sudden.

Pictures would hep but it sure sounds like a root problem! that's usually the first thing to check.

[Horses&Orchids]

I will pull them both tomorrow and check the roots again. Any suggestions on what to do? Cut off anything and everything that is mushy? Even if it means only leaving very few roots? I've noticed that even some roots that are broken will still produce new roots so I've debated cutting them off.

[silken]

If the roots are mushy, they won't be of any use and may contribute to bacteria in the surrounding media. So cut off any that are hollow or mushy. They should be potted in a pot that fits the roots, not too big or it will not dry fast enough and cause root rot. If you have kelp or a rooting hormone you could soak the cleaned up roots in some of that to help stimulate more root growth. This is assuming the roots are actually in trouble. Take pics and post them.

[Horses&Orchids]

Ok I took the one that is yellowing out of it's bark and took photos of the roots. I clipped off a few that were questionable but nothing major. Any suggestions? The top leaf that is yellowing has now separated partially from the plant

[The Orchid Boy]

It may need repotted or maybe has a pest.