Phal Help in Zone 5b

[crazymonkie]

Nice looking Phals!

The first three look like they're a little dry- the leaves only pleat like that when Phals are dry. I've only got one Phal myself (I have more Vandaceous orchids, thanks to a slight miscommunication with Oak Hill Gardens), but the one I had started to get the same pleating as yours. The pleating stopped, and the new leaves are waxy and solid, raised high above the potting medium.

Are they in straight moss? If so, get them out of that stuff! Sphagnum is BAD for Phals. The need way more drainage and the roots need more aeration than what moss can provide. Either straight bark or a bark mix, depending on how you water, is better. Test the dampness of the mix with your finger (save your money, don't buy a humidity meter.... the human finger is a better instrument, seriously) and when it feels like it's getting moderately dry, water like crazy (I know "moderately dry" doesn't really make things clear, but basically, if you stick your finger halfway into the pot and it feels bone dry, it's time to re-water). Either that, or if you get clear pots, you can take a look at the roots. If they look green, they're still wicking up water; if they're silvery-grey, they're dry; if they're brown or black, they're dead and should be cut off IMMEDIATELY.

Hope that helps!

[Pilot]

I am in Denver, too. I grow my phals in sh culture and they do very well. Might want to give that a try and with pot being legal in Denver, you can get hydroton at your local hydroponics store.


Ryan

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[quiltergal]

They definitely look too dry to me also. The aerial roots are all dessicated. If it's been a while since you repotted I would start there. Remember to soak your bark overnight before using. If you don't it won't hold any moisture.

Leaves only do that when they aren't getting enough water. That can only come from 2 things. Roots that have rotted or died and just plain underwatering.

[rangiku]

How often to you water? Applying weak fertilizer weakly may not be enough. You can use plain water in between.Put a toothpick or a bamboo skewer in the pot and leave it there. Check every day or so and when slightly damp, water again.

BTW, Phals do fine in sphagnum moss. You just need to learn to not overwater and only add water up to the rim of the pot when the top inch or two is crunchy dry. Seems like in a zone where it is dry, moss would be a helpful.

I found out that I was underwatering even in relatively humid Massachusetts.

[reelaesthete]

Thanks for all the tips.

I'm watching the temps more closely, wondering if they got some shocks during the colder days being near windows, even with heating elements near but, at least, 4 feet away.

I water weakly. But now I'm making sure to mist in the mornings, sometimes in the evenings, too, if the roots get silver. I've found if I water more than once a week, they start getting mold + bugs.

They are not in moss, they're in pre-soaked bark. And I repotted 2 weeks ago to check for signs of root rot, etc.

Pilot: I actually put them in hydro pots (black ones, slats down the sides). But I haven't gone full hydro, yet. I actually have some experience with hydro culture plants. I grew some very nice datura plants that way!

As for the great moss debate. The advice I'd always had— and taken— is to get them out of that stuff ASAP. I've also found it good because that way I can look at the roots, see if there are bugs, anything wrong, etc. Moss, however, in this climate, might be a good idea. I'll keep it in mind.