bark/moss mix?

[dreamiebloo]

Recently repotted a mini phal in a mix of moss and bark. Is this a bad idea?

I've had it for about a year and there hasn't been any sign of new growth so I lost hope until another mini I had grew a new root. What is going on?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Not enough info. Recent pics help a lot too.

Info on how you're currently growing the plants will create a better picture of the situation.

Please check the roots of your plants.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Please also refer to the sticky http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

[tucker85]

What kind of pot is it in?

[Paul Mc]

No, it's not necessarily a bad idea, as long as the roots can breathe. If it came tightly packed in sphag, then sometimes it's best to ease it's transition to an all bark by doing just what you did.

For most orchids, this is the time of year when you should start seeing new root growth. That being said, phal's tend to grow roots year round. You did not mention what your other mini was, so I'm not sure if this rule would apply or not.

If your phal is not growing any roots, then I would suggest tempting it to grow some by using a rooting hormone (just a little) in with your water. You might also try increasing the light and warmth a bit to see if that would help trigger some root growth for you.

But as others have mentioned, without pics this is just a guessing game.

[dreamiebloo]

I'll try to get some photos up. Thanks for all the help!

Both are mini phals. I've been more successful with one more than the other and it's so frustrating. It only has one healthy root left. The leaves were kind of wrinkly and limp but I noticed recently it has gone back to normal. Maybe this means I'm on the road to some new growth?

I've been following the general rules on caring for the phals- not over watering, etc. How important is it to keep up the humidity though? I have each orchid sitting on a small tray and fill it with water (the water isn't in contact with the roots or anything so I don't use rocks/pebbles) but I'm not really that consistent on filling the tray b/c I wasn't sure how effective it really was. I try to spritz them in the morning, depending on how sunny it is that day.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Low humidity can affect bud development.

If your plant has one healthy root left, it will be tricky to get back to health.

I highly recommend against the use of 100% Sphag as a potting medium. Sphag as a top dressing might be fine. If using Sphag as a top dressing, use only a thin layer, I do not recommend packing it on.

I strongly suggest against spraying the leaves with water. Water may dribble into the crown and create another problem generally called "crown rot".

Please refer to the link I sent you, if you haven't looked at it yet. I think some of the answers to your questions will be answered there. It will at least make sense of your problem.

It's too much information to go over.

[tucker85]

According to the forum at Big Leaf Orchids, the owner there uses the same technique for phals. with very few roots. He mists the plant and the surface of the medium each morning. He states that it will encourage new root growth. What kind of pot are you using? Do you fertilize? With very few roots I would put a very light dose of fertilizer in the misting spray every couple of weeks. Don't fertilize the medium. Phals. don't like salt build-up and with no roots the plant wouldn't use the fertilizer in the medium. Orchids do take in some nutrients through their leaves and stems. Good luck.

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[dreamiebloo]

I'm using a ceramic pot that has drain holes. I've fertilized twice using the Miracle Gro brand one for orchids. I've been a little hesitant on using it since I haven't seen anyone talk about it in the forums but it was the only one they had available in the store.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

I strongly suggest against spraying the leaves with water. Water may dribble into the crown and create another problem generally called "crown rot".

Originally Posted by tucker85

Orchids do take in some nutrients through their leaves and stems. Good luck.

I will amend my statement a bit to reflect the complexity of the true issue at hand...

I usually avoid recommending spraying the leaves to keep people from doing things that may be counterproductive.


Yes, tucker85 is correct in that orchids do absorb some nutrients through their leaves and stems to some degree...

However, in regards to the leaves, it is not the top side of the leaves - it's the underside of the leaves.

The underside of the leaves are where the stomata are. Stomata are the plant's pores. They are mostly used for respiration, but have some water intake capabilities as well. When the water has nutrients in it, the stomata absorb the nutrients in the water.

Or if a small animal or several small animals decide to relieve themselves on the leaves, and it rains, the water will contain the nutrients from the waste products and dribble onto portions of the leaves that take in the nutrients.

So, I still stand by my recommendation of not spraying the leaves, but my amendment goes...

Don't spray the top side of the leaves, if you like, you may spray the underside of the leaves. Especially during very early morning hours and/or dusk. These are the times the stomata are most likely to be open.