Phal Roots Watering Indicators?

[Cstanm700]

What color should my phal roots be before I water them?

[Ordphien]

silvery grey...

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[Cstanm700]

but dont the guides say they should be evenly moist all the time?

[Ordphien]

I let mine dry out a bit but that is because of my houses internal climate.
They should at least partly silver before you water.

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[WhiteRabbit]

I agree - silvery or whitish (cream-ish) - just no longer green. Phals don't like to be really dry, but not too wet either. I have done ok letting them become completely dry before watering, but not letting them remain dry. I have recently bumped that up to watering when media has barely any moisture (using a skewer to determine that - skewer doesn't feel damp, but slightly cool).

I have one Phal where roots don't really become silvery or whitish, but retain a greenish tint, but it's far lighter than when media is quite moist.

I have killed many a Phal due to reading that they should remain moist, and now have been able to keep some going (growing well, and blooming) by letting them become at least very nearly dry before watering.

[orchidsarefun]

I don't know how many phals you have but it is really worthwhile learning the difference between the "watered weight" of the pot and the "requiring watering" weight of the pot. It sounds and maybe reads complicated but once you can tell the difference you won't have any problems in knowing when to water, regardless of the medium your phals are potted in. I use this method for all types of orchids- big and small, as long as you can lift the pot with one hand.
And always to know if you are not sure if the plant needs watering, to wait another day.