Phal with limp leaves - Orchid Board

Tykee13 · #1 01-12-2013, 12:43 PM

Hi, I have a phal that was given to me from my brother in Florida and I live in Iowa. I received it in November and potted in the bark medium, water it regularly, gets lot of light, it is in a cool room (65 or so degrees). Had a spike when I got it when has been developing and it now has a new one. One of the leaves was cracked when I got it but it lost integrity and became limp after about a month. I thought it was because it had the crack but another one did it.

Does it need to be warmer or need fertilizer? I appreciate any help and thank you for you thoughts.

WhiteRabbit · #2 01-12-2013, 05:05 PM

Are these the lower most leaves? How do other leaves look?
Have you checked the roots?
How large is the pot, and how often do you water?

lepetitmartien · #3 01-12-2013, 10:50 PM

It can do with a little more heat, in fact, you're not far its lowest temperature, so it's not thriving.

"lots of light" is not precise enough, can you tell us the orientation and distance from window? Phals are not fond of full sun but are not friend of full shadow, they love the in between.

A limp leaf means the phal is dehydrated, it happens either because it's not watered enough or too much and so the roots have issues. How are the roots? They should be plump, green when wet, grey when dry.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #4 01-13-2013, 01:25 AM

For many Phals, 65 F is definitely closer to low end temperatures at night. Day temperatures should be in the low to mid 80's F during the cooler months.

Warmer months should have a night temperature range of about 65 F - 70 F, and a day temperature range of 85 F - 95 F.

Figuring out whether your plant has a problem or not from describing the Phal's leaves as limp is rather tricky. Sometimes people don't realize that a Phal naturally have leaves that droop downwards. It's easier to figure out what the problem may be, (should there be one), from a pic.

tim abbott · #5 01-15-2013, 07:55 AM

I can add a little info. The orchid was from me & is a 2 year old kikei(sp) that had a well developed spike and 4-6 aerial roots about 6 inches long when I cut it off. I soaked the roots in water 2 days before shipment that took about 2 days. Medium is bark, charcoal & perlite mixture from Home depot. Pot is in a saucer, suggested watering about once a week & let water accumulate to about 1/2 inch in saucer and wait to water until 3 days after all water has evaporated. Plant is now in a bay window with lots of diffused light. I am guessing the trauma of being removed from mother plant &, shipment & new habitat(I keep all mine outside) has set it back, may be too close to window & getting cold.

Tim Abbott

Paul Mc · #6 01-15-2013, 09:41 AM

So the pot is actually sitting in a saucer of water? That's not good. If the pot is suspended somehow (say like using pebbles or such) so the pot isn't touching the water then that's good.

My first reaction was that its a baby and it has experienced a long distance of travel in cold weather, and is now in a new home/environment that its not accustomed to. A bit of TLC may be in order.

How fine is the potting mix? Is it chunky and airy or more fine? Home Depot sells an "orchid mix" here but it's fine and way to fine to grow anything but terrestrial orchids in.

tim abbott · #7 01-16-2013, 07:10 AM

Hi PaulMc,

The mix is very chunky, it is made especially for phal, oncidium, catt. etc.(Shultz I think) I talked to my sister & suggested cutting back on the water & letting the medium dry out good. She lives in Council Bluffs, Ia. I have no experience growing indoor orchids nor in a climate with winter & dry air. Thanks for your input.

Tim Abbott

NYCorchidman · #8 01-16-2013, 09:15 AM

Check the bark mix and see if it too dry most of the time. If so, then your plant is mostly likely suffering dehydration.

Mist exposed roots (if there are any) heavily instead of watering. Having the pot sit in water of saucer is not recommended.

I hope it survives.
I have three phals which were drying up after repotting, but with diligent misting, I managed to get them back in health. New roots, new leaves!

Wish your the plant the best

Tykee13 · #9 01-22-2013, 07:34 PM

Thank you to all for your responses. I have since moved the plant to a warmer spot, set up a humidifier, and put a light on it (if nothing else to provide warmth). I also left it dry and kept misting it every other day or so. The plant continues to grow spikes. Doesn't seem like anymore of the leaves are getting "soft". I will try to upload photos.