need some advice/guidance - Page 2 - Orchid Board

shonama · #11 08-14-2011, 04:48 PM

many thanks for that rosie what is best soil/bark mix to use or is there a specific soil u can buy and also is it essential to have it in clear pot as read that roots need to be exposed on another site so not 100% sure what to do with her right now with regards to soil/pot etc

shona

RosieC · #12 08-14-2011, 05:55 PM

You want something bark based to pot it in. Some of the stuff sold in garden centers and B&Q and the like is a bit to heavy on the soil like stuff. If you use something like that make sure it's not damp/off smelling and pick out the big lumps rather than the broken down stuff.

Clear pots are not essential but help. As well as letting light to the roots it helps to see the roots to judge watering.

Paul Mc · #13 08-14-2011, 07:22 PM

Many people use clear pots for the reason's that rosie stated, but you can always buy a more decorative pot (with drainage holes in the bottom) to place the plastic one in if you would like.

Paul Mc · #14 08-14-2011, 07:30 PM

But as a side note, Rosie is correct that phal roots do have photosynthesis capabilities. It's not their primary purpose for existence, but they can help recovering phal's get more energy (or just any phal in generaly, especially for flowering) if the roots are exposed to sunlight.

Although this is a USA vendor, go to RePotme.com and look at their orchid pots. You will see the style of pots that I use which have some small holes in them that allow for sunlight and air to come into the pot. Perhaps Rosie or other members in your part of the world can recommend a distributor or website there. Wish I could help you more on that end.

shonama · #15 08-14-2011, 07:58 PM

hi paul thanks for that am sure as a craftsperson i could easily brighten up a plastic clear pot

or just give it to 1 of the kids to decorate for me eh lol

thanks again for the help

shona

Paul Mc · #16 08-14-2011, 10:42 PM

Shona, any questions you have, seriously, every one here is willing to assist if they can. Don't be shy to ask. We're all here to learn and assist if we can.

RosieC · #17 08-15-2011, 07:20 AM

A good website for medium in the UK is ORCHID ACCESSORIES . The problem is the postage which for medium can be high (same problem they have in the USA as well).

shonama · #18 08-15-2011, 08:54 AM

thanks for all the help my poor plant looks so helpless now nearly all flowers have dropped off just hope i can get her repotted and she will be back to flowering again when shes ready lol

Paul Mc · #19 08-15-2011, 08:58 AM

Phal's usually store up energy through the remainder of the year until sometime near spring when they start to shoot up new flower spike(s). As long as the roots remain healthy looking, and you give your phal the temperature range of about 10 degrees or so (fahrenheit) between day and night, she will rebloom.

shonama · #20 08-15-2011, 11:00 AM

thats great news paul thanks very much i will just repot her and keep an eye on her roots to make sure they ok and wait for spring and hope for the best am just relieved i not killed her as am normally hopeless at looking after plants even managed to kill of a cactus not got a clue how though lol and as this plant has lasted me since early may was really proud that she had lasted so long did think that it was sying due to moving house and had tried putting her in different windows as thought maybe too much sunlight was the problem so put her in kitchen but there its too dark as we are surrounded by trees so might have to put her in bedroom where its not to light and not too dark