Mini Phal in trouble... can she be saved?

[Prairie Girl]

I am a new member and have many questions. I will start with the most serious one first. I packed this Phal in my suitcase and brought it home from Florida in April and it hasn't done well since. I re-potted it in bark (too big of a pot I now realize) as soon as I got home and I had to cut the bloom spike off because it got damaged in transit. I'm just wondering if there is any chance that that I may be able to save it and what should I do to save it. I think this summer was especially hard on all my orchids and I'm still learning how to water properly. I believe I didn't water enough which allowed my orchids to dry out too much. I repotted another big one yesterday and it had dry brittle roots coming down form from the crown but yellow/cream colored roots on the outside. (no Mushy/soft roots) I have them all re potted in bark mixture in ceramic orchid pots. I was only watering once a week allowing water to run into the bark for about 2 minutes. (making sure I did not get any water on the leaves or crown) Still some of the bottom leaves are wilted and droopy They are sitting in a very large east facing window and in the hot summer months it gets very warm quite early in the morning. Do you think once a week is enough?
Do you think I can save my mini phal?
I have now put up a corrugated piece of plastic for the hot days to deflect the direct sun and heat. Is this too much filtered light?
I have so many questions but these are my first ones.
P.S. two of my orchids bloomed twice last yr and I thought I was on my way but now I'm so sad that I'm having problems

[calypsoB]

Honestly, probably not. Not to say it is impossible, but for a novice with one that far gone, well, it can be difficult to get perfect conditions. I am not sure where you ate in Canada but many stores carry mini's now. They are only about $10.

[Bill U.]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with calypsoB- that is very gone and would be extremely hard to bring back.

Make sure that, with all of your phalaenopsis, you pot them in a pot (I prefer clear plastic) that just can accommodate their root systems- almost to the point of being root bound. Then, with the watering, it is dependent upon your conditions as to how often your need to water. With the bark during the summer, you may have to water a little more frequently than once a week due to accelerated dry times in your warm eastern window. I would monitor them by checking their weight in comparison to their weight after they have just been watered- when they are "light" -> water them. And if you are ever in doubt of when to water, then wait a couple more days and then water. Are you fertilizing your phals at all? Depending on how long you have had your plants, they may just be looking for those vital nutrients to grow (in addition to water) that are not provided by the bark- bark can even "eat up" nitrogen supplies from the plants themselves, which can stunt growth...

[WhiteRabbit]

Glad you found us!

I'm sure you will get great advice and opinions from others - I don't do well with Phals, so won't offer any

Good luck!

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

I'm afraid I have to say that I think that orchid is beyond saving. I usually try and save every orchid but I'm afraid at that point I would give up and get another one.

Get another one and read the thread called 'The Phal Abuse Ends Here'. Treat this as a learning exercise and try again. We all kill orchids, before we learn how to keep them alive. My first came very close to death and years later is still only just hanging on, I've killed others along the way as well, but I have lots of good healthy phals as well which benefit from what I've learned about what to do and what not to do.

Good Luck

[edarion]

It might be worth a try repotting it in the appropriate pot. I see three viable roots left. worth a shot i think

[LadySoren]

And I thought I had problems... lol

I'm just a beginner, but from what I've heard, cut off the bad roots and leaf with no green, then soak the 3 good roots and the bottom area in KLN or some rooting fertilizer (with water) for a few minutes and then repot, leave it in medium light (not to dark, not direct sunlight, and don't move it around or touch it much. Watering once a week/when bark is dry with water and KLN.
That's the only thing I can think that MIGHT give it a chance. Put all you've got (gently) into the root system.

---------- Post added at 09:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------

Ok, so "Phal abuse ends here" thread- currently page 11. Someone posted a pic of their Phal that has good roots (a lot) but lost all of its leaves, and then has a pic of it growing new leaves. There is hope!
It appears that theirs is mounted vs. potted, but I'm sure potting would be fine. Good luck!