My phal has two withering buds, one new bud, and one half-open bud. Please help!

[aprilmayjune]

Hi you orchid experts!

I received a Phal about a month ago, completely in bloom. Within a week or so, all the buds had withered, and one small leaf had turned yellow. It was by a HUGE west-facing window, so after reading up I moved it to my bathroom, which has a smaller, east-facing, frosted glass window. (I wonder if the light here isn't too low though... )

When I moved it, it had three buds that hadn't done anything. After almost a month, all those buds did was begin to open one petal.

I was hoping that with patience they would bloom, but a few days ago two of the three withered too. However, in one of the empty spaces where a bloom had been (is there a word for this?) a new bud emerged!

I'd like to know if I should cut the spike of my Phal -- and if so, how much? Also, I'm worried about the state of a few of the roots. Of course, if you notice anything else I could fix or improve, I would really appreciate it!

From the bottom of the spike to the highest point on the spike, the Phal is about 8.2 inches. I haven't given it any fertilizer yet, since I read that when it has buds/ blooms this is bad for it.

Any help would be very appreciated! This Phal was a gift from my boyfriend and so far I have killed every other plant he's given me...

Thank you!

[orchidsarefun]

I think the problem is that you are over-watering.
I would
- move it back to the west-facing window. However as winter progresses you may have to move it further and further from the window as sun/heat gets stronger
- move it into a fir-bark orchid mix only. Only water a week AFTER the change to fir bark.
- water only once per week. Let water run through the pot for about a minute and make sure the water is at least room temp.
- do not let pot stand in water
- fertilising can be year round, but weakly weekly. That is about 1/4 of recommended dose. Every 4th week do not fertilise. Make sure that when you water, the water runs through the bottom of the pot ( as mentioned)
- pot size seems OK - just change the potting mix.
Don't do anything with the spike - leave as is. With TLC you may get flowers.

[Silje]

Your plant might be protesting against a change in temperature and humidity. I've had several phals that I've taken out of the humid growth area and into the living room once the flowers have opened up and have had a lot of bud blasts and way too quick withering flowers.

I think your roots look fine, but it looks like there's still some moss in between there on the second last picture and if it came in a moss ball, I'd definitely try to clean all of it away. You could leave a bit of moss on the top though. Don't know about your growing conditions, but I sometimes do, just to keep the top roots a bit moist and avoid them from drying out. I also think it looks quite nice. But the rest of the pot, I'd fill with bark only.

[silken]

I agree, you have plenty of good roots. But get rid of the moss in the centre as it could lead to rot. I also think that your clear plastic pot could use a few more air holes. I only see two on the bottom. You could cut a few on the sides as well. In nature these plants grow high up on trees with their roots exposed to air so they do need some air.

I find that just transporting and getting a new Phal often causes some buds to blast or stall just because of all the change it is going thru.

The clear pot is nice because you can see when to water. If the roots are green, they are wet. If they turn rather grey or silver, they are dry and time to water!

[aprilmayjune]

orchidsarefun, Silje, silken, thank you so much!

I moved the orchid back to the west window, and took the clear plastic pot out of the ceramic pot and sawed holes in the sides and bottom. I don't think I'll put it back in the ceramic pot for awhile; at least until I get the hang of caring for it.

I took all the old potting stuff out, especially that ball of sphag around the roots. It was still sopping wet, even though it's been almost a week since I last watered the plant. D:

I wanted to repot using fir bark, but the only orchid potting medium sold at my Japanese gardening store was a mix of small, light rocks, coconut husk, and "fermented bark" (if I'm translating that correctly). It's mostly rocks (I tried to attach an image, but it didn't seem to work :\). Anyway, I've never heard of this kind of medium on English-speaking websites. Do y'all have any thoughts about this?

Thanks again!

[Silje]

Originally Posted by aprilmayjune

I wanted to repot using fir bark, but the only orchid potting medium sold at my Japanese gardening store was a mix of small, light rocks, coconut husk, and "fermented bark" (if I'm translating that correctly). It's mostly rocks (I tried to attach an image, but it didn't seem to work :\). Anyway, I've never heard of this kind of medium on English-speaking websites. Do y'all have any thoughts about this?

Got no idea what that potting medium is, but it sounds like it could work. What you're looking for is something free draining that creates air pockets and circulation. At the same time, you want the medium to hold a bit of water as well. Phals don't want to dry out completely.

But that moss ball that you discovered in the middle is a killer. Like you saw yourself, it tends to stay soaking wet for ages, and you can't see it, because it's surrounded by other potting medium. Good that you got rid of it!

A bit of (lava?) rocks and coconut husk might be a good combo. Fermented bark?...eeeer...got no idea what that might be, but as long as the pieces are not too small it should be fine.

I got all sorts of weird images in my head now, picturing bark pieces and fibers that rural communities here in Namibia use for making homebrew, but as long as your plant is not going to be driving, I guess a little bit of fermented bark is ok.

[silken]

I second what Silje says. As for the bark. I can't imagine fermented bark and don't think you want that but if it seems fresh and firm and not about to break down right away it is probably fine. I wonder if you mean fir bark?? From a fir tree which is what is used for bark in most people's bark media.