Super new and really wanting to do it right

[Lagoon]

I would cut the spike way down and allow the plant to gear up again with new energy. If It does get enough, it can bloom again with the right conditions.

I have noticed with some of my orchids, after blooming they will go thru abit of a rest period, maybe 2 weeks. Then roots begin to grow out again and new leaf growth to come.

The clear pots can be abit pricey depending on which kind you choose - So think tupperware, they're making some nice larger round sizes now. Check walmart, home depot etc ...

[Blondie]

Hello! I looked at the Orchids for Dummies book, too, but it doesn't have enough color photos to show what is going on. If you look in the left column of this forum, you will see the book reviews section. I just reviewed 3 books that have TONS of pictures and explain lots of things (such as what the cane is and how to cut it). These books have been a lifesaver to me, especially "Growing Orchids." That one would probably be really helpful. I'm a newbie to the orchid world, too, and the people on this forum are really helpful!! Yeah.

[Lorraine]

Hi Rachael,

Welcome to OB. You might want to add some packing peanuts to your mix about 1/4 -1/3 in the bottom of your pot. Be careful to use the hard ones, some dissolve in water and are nasty. This gives some more air to the container space. I do soak mine when they are dry but only enough time to wet the medium again. I keep my plastic potted phals in clay pots so they don't tip over. When they you lift them out and feel light they can be watered. Let them drain well (no standing water).I got into trouble and still do sometimes when I buy a new phal in spag. moss. You never know what the grower used and how long its been in the pot. Soft, black, mushy gets the cutters so does all dried up..keep the firm white/green roots. Good luck. Soon you'll be an expert.
Lorraine

[sapphireeyes27]

Thank you so much for all your help.

At the moment, my phal has lost all her flowers but one and the flower spike is browning. Is that normal or is there something wrong????

I am planning on letting the last flower drop and then cutting the spike all the way down, but I just wanted to make sure everything was alright with my plant!!

[Ray]

The fact that the the plant went from the lowest blossom fading to loss of all of them pretty much at once (based upon the photos) to failure of the inflorescence in less than a week makes me think the plant is being unduly stressed, and I'd agree with much that has already been stated that it's due to the condition of the moss, making it a suffocating mass.

As the spike is losing its green color, it's a goner, so cut it as close the the base of the plant as possible and remove it - NOW - and repot.

Even if you don't have a pot and medium ready to go, unpot that plant immediately and remove as much of the moss as you can from the root mass. Don't worry about the plant sitting with its roots exposed, it's not a problem. In fact, letting the root structure dry a bit may help you identify which are the dead roots (black & mushy, or just collapsed), and which are still viable (plump and turgid, can be tan, white or green).

Air flow to the root system is key to orchid growing. Your overly-compact moss - with the help of the excess watering - cut off the air, so the roots suffocated and died. When you get a new medium, select one that holds water but still allows plenty of air circulation, then adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

[slipperfreak]

I agree with Ray. If your Phal has lost most of its flowers at the same time and the spike is failing so quickly, there must be something wrong. Sphagnum moss is really a dangerous medium to use for beginners. Cut that spike off, and repot it pronto into a nice bark mix (medium grade, with perlite and charcoal). You can buy this at most plant nurseries that sell orchids, as well as the Home Depot, etc.

[sapphireeyes27]

Okay... I sent my husband off in search of a new pot (I had to cut mine to get the orchid out). I got all the moss out of the plant and it was really wet. What I'm most worried about now is the fact that the roots are not only green, but green and yellow. Is my phal doomed?!?

I suppose all of you would understand, but I've become very attached to this little phal and I am very worried and upset that I let it sit in the moss as long as I did!

Thanks for any help you can offer!

[slipperfreak]

As long as the roots are firm, they are alive. There can be color variation with them from what I've seen. From what I could tell they look okay. Be sure to cut off any black/brown, soft ones and remove the spike completely. When you repot keep it on the dry side for a week or two before you start watering again.

[sapphireeyes27]

Okay, my husband drilled holes in a plastic countainer that was just a little larger than my previous pot. I got medium grade fir bark, perlite, and medium charcoal and mixed them in a 4-1-1 ratio. I also soaked it in water really fast since that's what the directions told me to do. Here are some pictures of the repotted phal.

My next duty is to cut off the spike. I have a sterilized razon blade that I used to remove some of the mooshy roots and plan to use it for the spike too. I was going to seal the spike-cut with wax, but I heard that cinnamon was better. Do I just poor the cinnamon on the plant spike? Should I cut the plant spike all the way down to where the leaves are or should I cut it smack dab in the middle?

I wish there were somebody else that I could ask these questions to. Thank you all so much for your help!!! If I could bake brownies and send them to you all I totally would!!!

Rachel

[slipperfreak]

The spike should be cut off at the very base, then take a toothpick or something and try to coat the cut with cinnamon. By the way, it's my pleasure to share information with you! I think we all want to help each other out so that everyone can enjoy orchids to their fullest extent.